Photo courtesy of Jeremiason Photography Minneota head coach Chad Johnston stands on the sideline at U.S. Bank Stadium during the Class A championship.

Minneota head football coach Chad Johnston was named the Minnesota Football Coaches Association’s Coach of the Year for Class A on Saturday. The selection marks Johnston’s fifth time earning the award, with his first selection coming in 2009.

Johnston guided the Minneota Vikings to their second consecutive undefeated season and their third consecutive state title. Minneota finished the 2024 season a perfect 13-0, with their win over Springfield in the Class A championship game giving the team its 33rd consecutive win. The Vikings also beat the Springfield Tigers in the state championship game three consecutive times during that stretch.

In addition to the 2024 Coach of the Year selection, Johnston also earned the award in 2022, 2017, 2015 and 2009.

Also honored by the MFCA over the weekend, Adam Spurrell of Maple Grove was named the Class 6A Coach of the Year, Steve Hamilton of Elk River earned the award in Class 5A, Garrett Mueller of Stewartville was selected in Class 3A and Drew Potter of Staples Motley was selected in Class 2A. Brian Nelson was also the 9-man Coach of the Year for Fertile-Beltrami.

Hamilton was also named as the MFCA’s overall Coach of the Year.