NORMAL - His face red from an emotional meeting with his players moments before, Denver Johnson stepped down as Illinois State football coach Saturday after the Redbirds' season-ending 17-10 overtime loss to Southern Illinois at Hancock Stadium. | BHS grad Kernes hands ISU OT loss | Players get emotional over resignation | Valley scoreboard

After discussing the defeat at the postgame news conference in the Kaufman Football Building, Johnson read aloud his statement of resignation and did not take additional questions. | Denver Johnson's prepared statement

"I am stepping aside as head football coach at Illinois State University," Johnson said. "Dr. (Sheahon) Zenger and I have agreed upon a course of action that we both feel confident will generate positive momentum for the advancement of our program.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this great institution and athletics department. Illinois State will always have a special place in the hearts of the Johnson family."

Johnson finished his ninth year as head of the ISU program with a 3-8 record. His overall mark with the Redbirds is 48-54.

Zenger, ISU's athletics director, met with Johnson Saturday morning and the decision was made before the game.

"Denver Johnson is a good football coach and an even better man. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with him," Zenger said. "He has represented ISU with class and dignity every step of the way. His biggest concern was that the players hear first.

"I want people to know that even though Denver resigned today, I do not view him as a failure. He provided a solid foundation for this program for the next coach."

Zenger maintains he did not ask for Johnson's resignation at the morning meeting and refused to label the move a firing.

"It's well precedented that I don't do my (coaching) evaluations until the end of the year," said Zenger. "Since we never got there, I really don't want to speculate what we might have discussed at that point."

After a brief leave of absence, Johnson will continue as an adviser to Zenger.

"I value his advice and would like to retain him through the end of January," Zenger said, "so we can maintain continuity in recruiting and also as I work with personnel within the football program."

Johnson had two years remaining on a four-year contract that paid him an annual base salary of $155,000. According to the contract, Johnson would receive $300,000 if terminated in the second year of the agreement.

"We came to an agreement that was pretty well laid out within our original contract if there should be a separation," said Zenger. "He will receive $200,000. That's something we agreed to."

In his statement, Johnson thanked university administration and support personnel.

"My tenure as head coach has never been about me. It has always been, and is today, about you," Johnson said of his players. "I have been your biggest advocate and will remain your biggest fan. I wish you and my successor nothing but the best in the future."

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Johnson's record

AT ISU

Overall…Conf.

2008…3-8…2-5

2007…4-7…2-4

2006…9-4…5-2

2005…7-4…4-3

2004…4-7…2-5

2003…6-6…3-4

2002…6-5…4-3

2001…2-9…2-5

2000…7-4…4-2

AT MURRAY STATE

1999…7-4…5-2

1998…7-4…5-2

1997…7-4…5-2