Cypress Coaching Legend Don Johnson Passes Away at Age 88

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA - Longtime Cypress College men's basketball coach, Don Johnson, passed away on the morning of February 6, 2019. Coach Johnson leaves behind his wife, Colette, and their three children. He was 88 years old. Information regarding the services will be shared when available. 

Don Johnson was a consensus All-American and an all-conference honoree as a senior under Coach John Wooden at UCLA in 1952. After graduating from UCLA, Johnson went into coaching and became the long-time successful head coach of the Cypress Chargers.

At Cypress, Johnson guided the Chargers to two state titles and seven conference titles. He retired as the all-time winningest coach in California Community College men's basketball history, with a record of 588-259. He is now fourth on the CCCAA men's basketball all-time wins list. For his efforts, Cypress College dedicated the court in 2009 "Don Johnson Court". He is also an inductee in the Orange County Sports Hall of Fame and Cypress College Athletics Hall of Fame. 

Coach Johnson was a valued member of the athletics department and the campus. He frequented Cypress College basketball games and would meet with the team before each season to connect new players with the storied history of our basketball program.

We will honor Coach Johnson with a moment of silence and an empty chair on the bench prior to tonight's basketball game.

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