HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — Northern Kentucky men's basketball has added a new strength coach, as Darrin Horn announced the hiring of Max Johnson on Monday. 

"We are excited to welcome Cincinnati native Max Johnson to our staff," said Coach Horn. "He is a terrific young talent that brings quality experience at a high level. Our commitment to the strength and athletic performance area in staffing, science, and technology is at a power four level. To add someone that just spent the last two seasons at Auburn in the SEC with a Final Four team is an excellent addition." 

Johnson returns home to the greater Cincinnati area after two seasons at the University of Auburn, where he earned a Master's Degree while working under head coach Bruce Pearl as a graduate assistant for the Tigers. Last season, Johnson played a key role in the athletic performance and strength & conditioning programs for Auburn, who won the SEC Regular Season Championship and advanced to the Final Four after posting a 32-6 record. Johnson was primarily responsible for the oversight of sessions, including pre-practice warmup, resistance training, and both speed/agility and conditioning sessions. He also was responsible for the implementation of sport science technologies and analysis of data. 

Prior to his time at Auburn, Johnson was a strength and conditioning intern under two different coaching staffs for the Ole Miss football team, where he assisted in implementing the strength and conditioning program and technology. He interned at the University of Cincinnati with the men's basketball program as well. 

Johnson will oversee the strength and conditioning and athletic performance aspects of Northern Kentucky's men's basketball program. 

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