Larry Johnson’s Future at Ohio State: Former Players Insist He’s Still at the Top of His Game
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Every offseason, the conversation around Larry Johnson’s future resurfaces, as the longtime Ohio State defensive line coach remains one of the most respected figures in college football. At 73 years old, questions about when he might retire are natural, but those who have played for him insist that he’s still operating at an elite level.
“Coach Johnson is still at the top of his game,” former Buckeye Jack Sawyer said at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday. “No matter what anyone says or has their opinion — coach Johnson is still the best defensive line coach in college football.”
That sentiment is echoed by another Ohio State standout, J.T. Tuimoloau, who sees Johnson’s passion and energy firsthand.
“He’s one of the best,” Tuimoloau said in Indianapolis. “He’s one of the greats. How old he is – I mean, you can’t put age in the picture because the way that guy is energetic, the way he’s passionate about football as if he was young and the way he’s able to still flip his hips… to show us a couple drills.”
Johnson’s coaching career dates back to 1974 and includes a lengthy tenure at Penn State (1996-2013) before he joined Urban Meyer’s Ohio State staff in 2014. Since then, he has helped produce a pipeline of elite defensive linemen, including Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and both Sawyer and Tuimoloau.
Still, his age remains a frequent talking point, especially in recruiting. Some wonder if prospects hesitate to commit to Ohio State due to uncertainty about how much longer Johnson will be on the sidelines.
For players who have been in his system, though, there’s no question about his impact.
“You’ve got to be blessed to have a coach like that,” Tuimoloau said. “I feel like there’s not a lot of coaches like that. For all the recruits out there, that’s one guy you have to go to.”
As long as Johnson remains in Columbus, Ohio State’s defensive line will continue to be in good hands.
