Ohio State Defensive Line Coach Larry Johnson Promoted to Associate Head Coach

Ohio State brought in Michigan's defensive line coach, but that doesn't affect Larry Johnson.

Johnson, who has been with Ohio State since replacing Mike Vrabel before the 2014 season, will remain on staff, the program announced Monday afternoon. Greg Mattison, Michigan's defensive line coach, will be the Buckeyes' co-defensive coordinator along with Jeff Hafley.

Johnson was promoted to associate head coach and will remain the defensive line coach on Ryan Day's innagural coaching staff, Ohio State announced.

“Larry’s experience at Ohio State will allow him to have a major role in the guidance and direction of this program,” Day said in a press release. “His promotion to associate head coach is well earned. Larry is a wonderful teacher and mentor, and his players always become a part of his family. I am thrilled that he will continue to be a part of this program.” 

Many defensive linemen have thrived in college before becoming high NFL draft picks under Johnson's tutelage. Nick Bosa is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and Dre'Mont Jones could join him in the first round.

A few weeks ago, Chase Young, who will likely be a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, said Johnson told him he will return. Johnson confirmed that a week ago.

“I want to be, I'm going to be an Ohio State Buckeye coach,” Johnson said on Dec. 30. “I know that. I think that's my future. But you know, in college football, thing changes no matter what happens. I have no plans to go anywhere. This is what I want to do. This is where I want to do it at. I'll leave it at that until after Tuesday and we play the Rose Bowl.”

Johnson played a key role in landing Noah Potter, Zach Harrison and Jaden McKenzie in the 2019 recruiting class.

“I would go where Larry Johnson was,” Potter said on Dec. 19 after signing his National Letter of Intent. “I'll just keep it as simple as that.”