What two former Buckeyes said about Larry Johnson’s future with Ohio State football
When it comes to elite defensive line coaching, few names carry as much weight as Larry Johnson. As the defensive line coach for Ohio State University, Johnson has shaped some of the most dominant players in college football over the last few decades. His reputation as one of the best position coaches in the country is well established, and his impact on Ohio State football has been immeasurable. However, as the game evolves and Johnson himself continues to age, there has been increasing speculation surrounding his future with the program. Recently, two former Buckeyes, both of whom worked closely with Johnson during their time in Columbus, weighed in on his future at Ohio State, offering valuable perspectives on the legendary coach’s longevity and his continued importance to the program’s success.
The two former Buckeyes in question are Chase Young and Nick Bosa, two of the most well-known and accomplished defensive linemen to have played under Johnson at Ohio State. Their reflections on Larry Johnson’s future offer a unique perspective, not only because of their individual success but also because of their experiences working directly under Johnson’s tutelage. Both Young and Bosa have gone on to achieve incredible success in the NFL, and their insights into the future of Ohio State football — and Johnson’s role in it — carry significant weight.
Chase Young’s Thoughts on Larry Johnson’s Future
Chase Young, who is widely considered one of the best defensive players to ever play for Ohio State, offered a glowing tribute to his former coach, Larry Johnson, when discussing his future with the program. Young, who was coached by Johnson from 2017 to 2019, became a dominant force on the defensive line, culminating in a season where he recorded 16.5 sacks and won the prestigious Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award. His remarkable performance in college earned him the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Washington Football Team (now the Washington Commanders).
Young spoke about his deep admiration for Johnson and the profound impact he had on his development as a player. “Larry Johnson is more than just a coach; he’s a mentor,” Young said. “He’s someone who genuinely cares about you as a person first and a player second. He’s a guy who teaches you the game at a level that few others can. His knowledge is unmatched, and his ability to get the best out of his players is special.”
Young further emphasized Johnson’s importance to Ohio State’s program, especially in the context of developing elite talent. “Ohio State’s defensive line is consistently among the best in the country, and a lot of that is due to Coach Johnson,” Young said. “He’s been there for a long time, and he’s developed a system that works. The guys that come through that program are ready to play at the next level, and that’s because of Coach Johnson. The future of Ohio State’s defensive line will always be in good hands as long as he’s there.”
When asked about Johnson’s future with the Buckeyes, Young acknowledged that the coach’s age is a factor, but he doesn’t see that as something that should affect Johnson’s ability to continue coaching at a high level. “People are always talking about how old Coach Johnson is, but I think he’s one of those guys who has so much energy and passion for the game that he could keep coaching for as long as he wants,” Young stated. “As long as he’s still getting the results, there’s no reason for him to go anywhere. He’s earned the right to continue coaching, and as long as he’s there, I know Ohio State’s defensive line will be in good hands.”
Young’s comments reflect his unwavering belief in Johnson’s ability to lead Ohio State’s defensive line into the future. His deep respect for Johnson as a mentor and coach, combined with his acknowledgment of the importance of continuity in the program, suggests that Young believes Johnson should remain with Ohio State for as long as he desires. Young’s endorsement of Johnson’s coaching style and leadership suggests that Johnson’s legacy at Ohio State is secure, and that there is no reason to doubt his future at the helm of the defensive line.
Nick Bosa’s Reflections on Larry Johnson’s Impact
Nick Bosa, another former Ohio State standout defensive lineman, had a similarly positive view of Larry Johnson’s impact on his career. Bosa, like Young, was coached by Johnson from 2016 to 2018 before he made the jump to the NFL, where he was drafted second overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2019. Bosa’s time at Ohio State was marked by his explosive pass-rushing ability and his relentless pursuit of the quarterback, traits that were honed under Johnson’s expert guidance.
When discussing Larry Johnson’s future with Ohio State, Bosa reflected on his own growth as a player during his time in Columbus. “Coach Johnson is the reason I’m the player I am today,” Bosa said. “He’s got an incredible eye for detail, and he knows how to push you to become the best version of yourself. I think his biggest strength as a coach is his ability to make adjustments and adapt to each player. He doesn’t just teach you how to rush the passer, he teaches you how to be a complete player.”
Bosa also spoke about Johnson’s leadership and how it helped him grow both as a player and as a person. “Coach Johnson has been through so much, and he’s coached so many great players,” Bosa said. “He knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and that’s something he instills in all his players. It’s more than just technique; it’s about mentality, work ethic, and leadership. Those are the qualities he emphasizes, and that’s why he’s so successful at developing NFL talent.”
In terms of Johnson’s future with the program, Bosa made it clear that he believes Johnson should continue coaching as long as he’s able to. “I think Coach Johnson has the energy and passion to keep coaching for as long as he wants,” Bosa said. “Ohio State is in a great position with him there. They’ve got the best defensive line coach in the country, and I think they’ll continue to produce elite talent for years to come as long as he’s involved.”
Bosa’s comments echoed those of Young, affirming that Johnson’s legacy is secure and that his ability to develop top-tier talent will continue to benefit Ohio State’s defensive line. Like Young, Bosa recognized that Johnson’s age might lead to questions about his long-term future, but both players believed that as long as Johnson is still passionate about coaching and still producing results, he should continue to lead Ohio State’s defensive line.
The Importance of Larry Johnson to Ohio State Football
The statements from Young and Bosa underscore the incredible impact Larry Johnson has had on Ohio State football, both in terms of developing elite defensive linemen and in building a culture of excellence within the program. Johnson’s ability to recruit, develop, and mentor players has made him one of the most respected defensive line coaches in college football history. Over his career, Johnson has coached countless players who have gone on to succeed at the NFL level, including Chase Young, Nick Bosa, Joey Bosa, Zach Harrison, and many others.
In addition to his coaching ability, Johnson’s longevity at Ohio State has been a key factor in the team’s consistent success. His tenure with the Buckeyes stretches back over two decades, and his ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football has helped him remain relevant and successful. Whether it’s adjusting to changes in recruiting, learning new techniques, or adapting to the modern college game, Johnson has remained a fixture in Ohio State’s defense.
Despite his age, Johnson continues to be an influential figure within the program. As of now, there is no official indication that he plans to retire anytime soon, and the program seems committed to keeping him involved as long as possible. For Ohio State fans, the continued success of the defensive line will likely be tied to Johnson’s continued presence on the coaching staff.
