What Two Former Buckeyes Said About Larry Johnson’s Future with Ohio State Football

Larry Johnson is one of the most respected and celebrated defensive line coaches in college football history. Having spent more than two decades with Ohio State, Johnson’s career is marked by a remarkable ability to develop elite defensive linemen who not only excel in college football but often make successful transitions to the NFL. His coaching philosophy, dedication to his players, and consistent success have made him a cornerstone of Ohio State’s football program.

Recently, as rumors swirl about Johnson’s future with the Buckeyes, two former players—Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau—have spoken out, offering their thoughts on his continued role at Ohio State. These former players have a unique perspective on Johnson, having benefited firsthand from his coaching and mentorship. Their opinions give valuable insight into what makes Johnson so important to the program, and why his potential departure or continued presence is a topic of significant interest for both the team and its fans.

Larry Johnson’s Legacy at Ohio State

Before diving into the perspectives of Sawyer and Tuimoloau, it’s important to understand the impact that Larry Johnson has had on Ohio State football. Johnson’s tenure at Ohio State began in 1996, and since then, he has built a reputation as one of the premier defensive line coaches in the nation. His ability to develop players and produce defensive linemen who dominate at both the collegiate and professional levels has been a hallmark of his career.

Under Johnson’s guidance, Ohio State’s defensive line has consistently been among the most formidable in college football. Players like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, Joey Bosa, and others have flourished under his tutelage. Johnson’s defensive linemen have earned numerous All-American honors, and several have gone on to be top picks in the NFL Draft. His track record is a testament to his exceptional coaching ability and his dedication to developing well-rounded players.

Beyond the technical aspects of coaching, Johnson is also known for the relationships he builds with his players. His leadership extends beyond the football field, as he fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among the members of the defensive line. His ability to get the best out of his players, both on and off the field, has made him a beloved figure in the Ohio State football community.

However, at 67 years old, there has been speculation about how much longer Johnson plans to continue coaching. For fans and players alike, the question of whether Johnson will remain with Ohio State for the long term is one of great importance. The thoughts of former players like Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau shed light on just how vital Johnson’s presence is to the program.

Jack Sawyer’s Support for Larry Johnson

Jack Sawyer, a former defensive end for Ohio State, recently weighed in on Larry Johnson’s future with the Buckeyes, offering strong support for his former coach. Sawyer, who was one of the highly touted recruits that Johnson brought into the program, spent several years under Johnson’s guidance. As a result, he has a unique perspective on what makes Johnson such an effective coach.

Sawyer was asked about Johnson’s potential future with the team, and his response was unequivocal. “He’s still at the top of his game no matter what people say about his age,” Sawyer said. These words reflect the deep respect that Sawyer has for Johnson, and they also highlight a key point: Johnson’s age has not diminished his ability to coach at the highest level. Despite the fact that he is one of the elder statesmen in the coaching world, Johnson continues to produce elite defensive linemen and maintain a high level of success at Ohio State.

For Sawyer, Johnson’s coaching goes beyond just teaching technique. Sawyer noted that Johnson had a profound impact on his development as both a football player and a person. Under Johnson’s guidance, Sawyer was able to refine his skills and develop into a leader on the field. The sense of trust and respect between Sawyer and Johnson is clear, and this relationship speaks to the long-lasting influence that Johnson has on his players.

Sawyer’s endorsement is particularly significant because he represents a new generation of players who have been recruited and developed under Johnson’s system. His belief that Johnson is still operating at the peak of his coaching powers suggests that Johnson’s impact on Ohio State football remains strong, and that his future with the program could be bright as long as he chooses to continue.

JT Tuimoloau’s Thoughts on Larry Johnson

JT Tuimoloau, another former Buckeye defensive lineman, also offered his thoughts on Larry Johnson’s future with Ohio State. Tuimoloau, who was one of the most highly anticipated defensive recruits in recent years, came to Ohio State with high expectations. Like Sawyer, Tuimoloau benefited from Johnson’s coaching and has consistently spoken highly of the impact that Johnson had on his development.

Tuimoloau, in particular, spoke about the “culture” and “brotherhood” that Johnson has cultivated within the defensive line group. He emphasized that Johnson’s coaching extends beyond teaching technique and football fundamentals. According to Tuimoloau, Johnson creates an environment where players feel supported and are able to develop both as football players and as individuals.

The culture that Johnson has built is one where players work together and hold each other accountable. This sense of unity is vital for defensive linemen, who often rely on each other to execute plays and create opportunities on the field. For Tuimoloau, this culture of brotherhood was a key reason why he chose to return for another season at Ohio State. The trust and camaraderie that Johnson fosters are essential to the success of the defensive line and to the overall success of the team.

Additionally, Tuimoloau spoke about the role Johnson has played in his own development as a player. He acknowledged that Johnson has helped him refine his skills and prepare for the next level, specifically the NFL. While Tuimoloau has certainly shown promise as one of the top defensive linemen in college football, he credits much of his growth to Johnson’s coaching and guidance. Tuimoloau’s thoughts reinforce the idea that Johnson’s coaching ability goes beyond the X’s and O’s—it’s about helping players achieve their full potential both on and off the field.

What the Future Holds for Larry Johnson

As Larry Johnson enters the later stages of his career, there are questions about how much longer he will remain with Ohio State. While he has not made any definitive announcements about his future, the opinions of former players like Sawyer and Tuimoloau suggest that Johnson’s impact on the program is still significant.

One of the challenges facing Ohio State football is planning for the future after Johnson’s eventual departure. Given the success Johnson has had in developing elite defensive linemen, finding a suitable successor to maintain that level of excellence will be critical. There has been much discussion about who could eventually take over the defensive line position when Johnson retires. Some have suggested promoting from within, possibly elevating a former player who has worked under Johnson to ensure continuity in the program.

While the speculation about Johnson’s retirement or departure continues, his legacy at Ohio State is secure. Whether he decides to coach for a few more years or hand over the reins to a successor, Johnson’s impact on Ohio State football will be felt for generations to come. His ability to develop players, his leadership, and the culture he has built will remain a cornerstone of the program for years, even after his time on the sidelines comes to an end.

Larry Johnson’s future with Ohio State remains a topic of great interest, not just for fans and analysts but also for the players who have benefited from his coaching. Former Buckeyes like Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau have shared their thoughts on Johnson’s legacy and his continued relevance to the program. Both players have emphasized Johnson’s exceptional coaching ability, the culture of brotherhood he has created, and the lasting impact he has had on their careers.

As Johnson contemplates his future, the Ohio State football community is left hoping that he will remain with the program for as long as possible. The success of the defensive line under his leadership is unparalleled, and his ability to develop top-tier talent is a key reason why Ohio State has remained a powerhouse in college football. Regardless of when Johnson decides to step down, his legacy at Ohio State will continue to resonate, and the program will forever be shaped by his guidance and mentorship.