A longtime high school football coach in North Texas has died after a three-year battle with leukemia.
Millsap head football coach Jacob "Jake" Johnson, 45, died Friday. Johnson's wife Cassie announced the news on Facebook.
"Everything was a teachable moment or he always thought of special things to do or lessons to be learned," said Cassie Johnson in her post. "He was the best football coach there ever was! He always said it was his job to create men then teach them how to play football."
Despite a three-year battle with cancer that required intensive stem cell treatments, Johnson entered remission in the summer of 2026 and returned to lead the Bulldogs alongside his son, Braun, a standout running back on the team. In early October, Johnson took time away from the team for additional treatment.
"Coach Johnson was a valued, respected, and impactful member of the Millsap Community for more than a decade," wrote Millsap ISD Superintendent Dr. Harper Stewart in a statement. "His contributions to Millsap I.S.D. are generational, meaning his actions and service will shape the lives, values and circumstances of individuals for decades to come."
Johnson was hired as the head coach and athletic director for the Millsap Bulldogs in 2015. Millsap is a Class 3A program located in Parker County, approximately 45 miles west of Fort Worth. During his tenure, Johnson went 52-71.
However, in 2026, Millsap was on the rise, posting a 6-1 overall record and an undefeated 4-0 run in district play. The Bulldogs outscored their opponents by a total of 111 points over the course of seven games. Braun Johnson, who currently has an offer to play football at Lamar University, has been a star for the Bulldogs, rushing for 1,835 yards and scoring 24 touchdowns.
Johnson coached all across North Texas
Before taking the head job at Millsap, he served as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Southwest Baptist University, and held assistant coaching positions at Fort Worth Arlington Heights and Richland High School.
"Man, RIP to my college teammate Jacob Johnson aka "Rambo"," said Lancaster assistant coach Kevin Whitley on X. "My heart goes out to out to his family. He was a good God fearing man. I send my sincere condolences & prayers."
Millsap, who is scheduled to play Eastland at 7 p.m., stated they will provide more updates as they become available.
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This article originally published at Longtime Texas high school coach dies at 45 after lengthy leukemia fight.