NBA Coach of the Year Award
In his first NBA coaching job, Johnson again joined Dick Motta's coaching staff in 1971 with the Chicago Bulls. On November 29, 1973, the Kansas City-Omaha Kings hired Johnson as new head coach after firing Bob Cousy. Inheriting a 6–19 team, Johnson went 27–31 for the rest of the season, and the Kings finished 33–49. The following season, Johnson led the Kings a 44–38 record and a berth in the 1975 NBA Playoffs. For this achievement, Johnson earned the 1975 NBA Coach of the Year Award. Johnson was fired on January 7, 1978, following a 13–24 start for the now Kansas City Kings.