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Speculation about Larry Johnson’s retirement has been a constant for years.
To the 73-year-old Johnson, arguably the most accomplished defensive line coach in college football history, it is an annoyance. One day, he will retire. Nobody coaches forever.
When Ohio State won the national title with four linemen now headed to the NFL, some thought it might be a natural time for Johnson to consider riding off into the sunset. But he is not ready for that.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive ends coach Larry Johnson sits with JT Tuimoloau during the Ohio State Buckeyes College Football Playoff National Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Jan. 27, 2025.
“I never thought about it,” Johnson said Friday. “It’s just on to the next guys, a group of guys I brought in.”
Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams are gone. Ends Kenyatta Jackson and Caden Curry and tackles Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston are the favorites to replace them, though the competition will be fierce when spring practice opens March 17.
More: What led new Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to return to college football
“That’s coaching,” Johnson said. “That’s what coaching is all about. Each year, we’ve got a different group of guys, and now we have to rebuild from the bottom again. We’ve done it a couple of times since I’ve been here, so it’s another opportunity to see who’s going to step up to play.”
Johnson will also work with a new coordinator, Matt Patricia, who was part of the New England Patriots’ NFL dynasty under Bill Belichick. Patricia has used a 3-4 as well as a 4-3 defensive line configuration. Johnson is known as a 4-3 coach, but he stressed that he has used multiple fronts in the past and has always been flexible.
Johnson believes he and Patricia will work well…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/why-ohio-state-football-defensive-110552303.html
Author : The Columbus Dispatch
Publish date : 2025-03-08 11:05:00
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