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

When it comes to legendary figures in the world of college football, few names resonate as powerfully as Larry Johnson—the veteran defensive line coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes football program. Over the years, Johnson has established himself as one of the premier coaches in the game, especially when it comes to developing elite defensive linemen. His legacy at Ohio State is built not only on the success of his players but also on the enduring influence he has had on the team, the coaching staff, and the larger football community.

As Ohio State continues to build on its championship aspirations, Johnson’s future with the team has become a subject of increasing attention. With his long tenure and continued success as a coach, speculation about his potential retirement or next steps is inevitable. Given his deep connection to the program and his reputation as one of the most respected defensive line coaches in the country, it is no surprise that former players, who owe much of their success to his tutelage, have strong feelings about Johnson’s future with the program.

Two former Buckeyes who played under Johnson—Chase Young and Nick Bosa, both of whom became highly successful in the NFL—recently shared their thoughts on what Johnson has meant to their development as players and what his continued presence could mean for Ohio State football in the future. Both Young and Bosa, now household names in the NFL, have seen their careers take off after their time in Columbus, and they credit Johnson for much of their success. Their comments provide valuable insight into Johnson’s lasting impact on Ohio State and why his future with the program continues to be so crucial.

Larry Johnson’s Legacy at Ohio State

Before delving into what Young and Bosa had to say, it’s important to understand why Larry Johnson has become such a revered figure in college football, particularly at Ohio State. Johnson joined the Ohio State football program in 2014 as the defensive line coach, bringing with him over three decades of coaching experience. Prior to his arrival at Ohio State, Johnson had made a name for himself coaching at schools like Penn State, where he helped develop standout defensive linemen such as Aaron Maybin, Devon Still, and DaQuan Jones.

At Ohio State, Johnson’s coaching style and ability to develop elite talent quickly became apparent. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes have produced some of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football, including Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, Chase Young, and Haskell Garrett. His players consistently excel at the next level in the NFL, which has only enhanced his reputation as one of the best in the business.

Johnson’s defensive line units have been a constant source of strength for Ohio State, and his ability to adjust to modern football’s ever-changing landscape has made him an invaluable asset to the program. He is known for his ability to identify raw talent and mold it into elite players. His approach combines a focus on technique, mental toughness, and discipline, which has yielded remarkable results year after year.

With a career that spans over four decades, it’s understandable that speculation surrounding Johnson’s future has started to mount. Many believe his legacy at Ohio State is already cemented, but his continued involvement with the program remains vital to maintaining the team’s defensive dominance.

Chase Young: An Unmatched Influence on His Career

Chase Young, perhaps one of the most dominant defensive players to ever wear the Ohio State uniform, was coached by Larry Johnson during his time in Columbus. Young’s meteoric rise in college football under Johnson’s tutelage is a testament to the coach’s unique ability to mold talent. Young became a consensus All-American and was the 2019 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after leading the country in sacks that season. His 16.5 sacks and dominant play on the field made him the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, selected by the Washington Football Team (now the Washington Commanders).

In a recent interview, Young shared his thoughts on Larry Johnson’s role in his development as a player. According to Young, Johnson’s influence was crucial in his transition from a highly-touted recruit to a dominant force in college football. Young noted that Johnson’s coaching went beyond just the physical aspects of playing defensive line—it was the mental approach, the focus on discipline, and the drive to be the best that set Johnson apart from other coaches he’d had in his career.

“Coach Johnson is one of the best to ever do it,” Young said. “He helped me get to where I am today, and I don’t think I’d be the player I am without him. His approach to coaching, his attention to detail, and the way he treats his players—it’s special. He’s like a father figure to a lot of us, and he’s got this way of pushing you to be great without even needing to raise his voice.”

Young’s comments speak to the deep respect and admiration he has for Johnson as a mentor. The defensive end’s rise to stardom was not an accident; it was the result of years of hard work, guidance, and trust between him and his coach. Young emphasized that Johnson’s ability to not only teach technique but also instill a mindset of confidence and resilience was the key to his success.

As for Johnson’s future at Ohio State, Young believes it is essential for the Buckeyes to retain him as a part of their coaching staff for the foreseeable future. “Coach Johnson is a big part of Ohio State’s success, and he’ll continue to be. I don’t know what his plans are for the future, but I know he’s got a lot more to give. He’s the best in the business, and I think he’s still got a lot of coaching left in him.”

Young’s words reflect a sentiment shared by many former players who’ve benefitted from Johnson’s expertise. They see Johnson not just as a coach but as a transformative figure who helped them reach the highest levels of the game.

Nick Bosa: A Legacy of Excellence

Nick Bosa, another former Buckeye who played under Larry Johnson, has followed a similar path to NFL stardom. The younger brother of Joey Bosa, who also flourished under Johnson at Ohio State, Nick Bosa was a dominant defensive force during his time with the Buckeyes. Like Young, Bosa thrived under Johnson’s guidance, eventually becoming the second overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, selected by the San Francisco 49ers.

Bosa’s path to the NFL was marked by his physicality, agility, and football IQ—all attributes that were nurtured and developed by Larry Johnson. In a recent conversation about Johnson, Bosa expressed similar admiration for his former coach, noting that Johnson’s ability to prepare players for the next level was unparalleled.

“Coach Johnson’s the reason I’m where I am today,” Bosa said. “He taught me everything I know about playing defensive line. From the fundamentals to the little details that separate good players from great players, he’s got it all covered. The way he coaches is why you see so many guys from Ohio State making an impact in the NFL—his methods work.”

Bosa’s comments echo Young’s sentiments, highlighting Johnson’s emphasis on fundamentals and his ability to fine-tune the skills necessary to succeed at the highest level. Bosa also emphasized that Johnson’s impact was more than just technical instruction; it was about creating an environment that fostered confidence, hard work, and discipline.

For Bosa, the idea of Johnson’s future at Ohio State is a critical consideration. “I hope Coach Johnson sticks around for as long as possible. Ohio State’s program is built on great coaching, and he’s one of the cornerstones of that,” Bosa said. “There’s a reason why he’s been so successful at developing defensive linemen, and it’s because of his attention to detail and the way he prepares us for what’s next. I don’t see him slowing down anytime soon.”

Bosa’s words underscore the important role Johnson plays in Ohio State’s recruiting success. The Buckeyes have been able to attract some of the best defensive line talent in the nation, in part because of Johnson’s reputation as a coach who can take raw talent and develop it into NFL-ready players. For Bosa, as for Young, the idea of Johnson leaving Ohio State is an unsettling thought. The Buckeyes’ continued dominance on the defensive line depends in large part on Johnson’s continued leadership.

The Future of Larry Johnson: A Question of Legacy

As the Ohio State football program looks ahead to the future, the question of Larry Johnson’s next steps remains one of the most pressing topics for fans and pundits alike. Both Chase Young and Nick Bosa, two of the most successful players to emerge from Johnson’s tutelage, have made it clear that Johnson’s influence has been a crucial part of their careers. His ability to develop elite defensive line talent is unmatched, and his legacy at Ohio State is firmly established.

While Johnson has previously expressed a desire to continue coaching for as long as he can, it is clear that his future is inextricably linked to the success of the Ohio State football program. Both Young and Bosa have stressed the importance of keeping Johnson involved in the program for the long haul, not just for the sake of the defensive line unit, but also for the overall culture of excellence that Johnson has helped foster at Ohio State.

As the Buckeyes prepare for another season of competition at the highest level, the hope is that Johnson will continue to shape the future of Ohio State football. Whether he remains for one more season or several, his impact on the program will be felt for years to come. After all, Larry Johnson is more than just a coach; he is a mentor, a leader, and a living legend in the world of college football.