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FORT MYERS, Fla., Aug. 24 – Dennis "D.J." Johnson has been named head coach for the inaugural season of the Florida Flame. The Flame will be the state of Florida's first team in the National Basketball Development League, which began play in 2001.

“I am very happy to be given the opportunity to be the head coach for the Florida Flame,” said Johnson. “I appreciate the confidence this organization has shown in me.”

Johnson joins the Flame staff after an extensive career with the NBA, both as a player and coach. During his playing days with the Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics, Johnson claimed three NBA championships as well as other various awards and honors. Named to nine consecutive All-Defensive Teams (1979-87), Johnson was also a five-time NBA All-Star selection 1979-82, ’85).

Johnson also went on to gain valuable experience as a coach at the NBA level. He served as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics for three seasons under head coaches Chris Ford (1991-93) and ML Carr (1993-94). Johnson then joined the Los Angeles Clippers organization as an assistant coach under Jimmy Todd (2000-01), Alvin Gentry (2001-02) and Chris Ford (2002-03). He also served as interim head coach for the Clippers to finish out the 2001-02 season.

Most recently, Johnson served as an advance scout for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2003, reporting directly to current Trail Blazer head coach Maurice Cheeks regarding information about upcoming Portland Trail Blazers’ opponents.

“We are excited about hiring DJ as the first coach in Florida Flame history,” said Team President Brett Vickers. “He was our first choice, and when he initially declined our offer, we took a page from George Steinbrenner, and wouldn't take no for an answer. We got our man!”

Terry Thimlar, general manager of the Florida franchise is excited about having DJ on board with the organization and the amount of experience he brings with him.

“The wealth of knowledge of the professional game that Coach Johnson brings to the Flame is of the greatest value,” said Thimlar. “The legacy he left as a player is of the highest caliber. His accomplishments speak for themselves.”

Johnson’s first job responsibility will be administering the open player tryouts tentatively scheduled for late October.

“I can only say that I will give my maximum effort in making this team an exciting team to watch,” said Johnson. “They will give their best effort every night and Southwest Florida will be proud.”

“We are trying to build our organization to championship caliber,” said Thimlar. “DJ is a huge piece to that puzzle.”

The NBDL season in Southwest Florida begins on Sunday, November 21 at 6 p.m. when the Florida Flame hosts the Roanoke Dazzle at Germain Arena. Season ticket packages are still available by calling the Flame’s office at (239) 561-8130.