MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Nick Johnson was promoted to head coach of Barry University's rowing team. He takes over for Boban Rankovic, who resigned to pursue other opportunities.

Johnson spent the 2016-17 season as an assistant coach with the Buccaneers.

"I want to thank (Director of Athletics) Mike Covone and (Senior Associate Director of Athletics) Dr. Bridget Lyons for this opportunity to coach these tremendous student-athletes, and to work with everyone in this athletic department," Johnson said. "The minute I stepped on campus a year ago, I knew this is where I wanted to be, and I am thrilled about the opportunity I have to continue building this program."

Barry's Varsity 8 qualified for the NCAA Championships in Johnson's first year with the program. The Bucs won the Petite Final at the national regatta, and finished fifth overall in the Varsity 8 event. Barry was third at the Sunshine State Conference Championships and fifth at the Dad Vail Regatta. The Bucs won the Collegiate Fours title at the Head of the Charles in the fall. 

Prior to serving as an assistant with the Bucs, Johnson spent 12 years coaching multiple teams at the junior, club and masters levels.

"I want to thank Boban Rankovic for helping to get me acclimated to collegiate rowing, and giving me some chances last year to handle some of the head coaching duties," Johnson said. "He really helped ensure that there would be a smooth transition, and that the coaching staff this year could hit the ground running."

Johnson was instrumental in helping Barry land one of its largest recruiting classes for the upcoming season.

"We have a great group of returning athletes and one of the largest recruiting classes in program history joining us this fall, so we are very excited about this coming year," Johnson said. "One of our goals for this year is to get the entire team back to the NCAA Championships, and our long-term goal is to simply continue with the upwards trend that this program has had for the last several years.

"Ultimately, we want everyone on the team to find a love for the sport that ensures they will continue rowing after they graduate. We try to create an environment where everyone knows they are working hard, but they also know that they are having fun."