Tim Johnson competed in high school wrestling in Pennsylvania and graduated from Oral Roberts University before embarking on a 17-year coaching career that ended with his retirement in 1997, though he continues to serve as athletic director at Coweta High School.

He had a 141-43 dual record as head coach at Tulsa Union High School and Coweta, winning one state title at each school. Johnson coached 23 individual state champions, including a pair of three-time winners.

Johnson has continued to be involved in wrestling since leaving the coaching ranks, having served as a commentator for various radio and television broadcasts while also writing articles for various publications.

For his passion to help grow the sport, Tim Johnson is honored with the 2017 Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award by the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.