Former Columbus Blue Jacket joins Ohio State women's coaching staff

Ohio State will likely always be the king of sports in Columbus, but good on the local professional and semi-professional franchises for embracing that. The Columbus Clippers recently announced an Ohio State-themed game and custom jerseys, and the Columbus Blue Jackets paid homage to OSU when they played an outdoor game in the ‘Shoe against the Detroit Red Wings.

Sometimes, the sports even cross, like the news we received on Thursday when the Ohio State women’s hockey team announced the hiring of former Blue Jacket Jack Johnson. The former NHL defenseman played for Columbus from 2012-18 and then again for his final season in 2024-25. He carved out a niche for hitting and blocking shots while he wore the blue sweater, and now he’ll be taking his knowledge to Nadine Muzerall’s program.

“We’re really excited to have a new member join our family here at Ohio State,” Muzerall said in a release. “To bring in Jack Johnson is going to continue to make our program better, both on the ice and really contribute to recruiting. When we talk about Ohio State, we talk about family and how we’re all united. I think it’s very important that he exemplifies that. He’s going to bring that to our program and I think our recruits are going to see that and I know our girls are going to feel that.”

Excited to announce the addition of Jack Johnson to our coaching staff! #GoBucks | 🔗 https://t.co/5oFdT25DlSpic.twitter.com/8roxzA4WDC

— Ohio State Women’s Hockey (@OhioStateWHKY) July 23, 2026

Johnson does bring a winning pedigree to Ohio State. He was a part of the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup-winning team in 2022. He played his college hockey — believe it or not — at Michigan, so coming to the Buckeyes has to be a little bit awkward. Something tells me he’ll fit in just fine.

“It’s such a privilege and honor to be involved with the best women’s college hockey program in the country,” Johnson said. “I can’t wait for the season to start and to continue Ohio State’s pursuit of national championships.”

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Former Columbus Blue Jacket joins Ohio State women’s coaching staff