Why the Ohio State Football Team Should Tell Larry Johnson to Retire
Larry Johnson, the esteemed defensive line coach for the Ohio State football team, has long been considered one of the top coaches in college football. His track record speaks volumes: under his guidance, Ohio State’s defensive line has consistently been one of the most feared in the country. However, as the years go by, questions are being raised about whether it’s time for the Buckeyes to part ways with their veteran coach and usher in a new era for the defensive line.
Here’s a look at why the Ohio State football team might consider asking Larry Johnson to retire:
1. Age and Health Concerns
Larry Johnson, now in his early 70s, has dedicated over four decades to coaching football. As one of the most experienced coaches in the game, his knowledge is irreplaceable. However, his age raises some concerns. The rigors of college football, especially at the highest level, are immense. Recruiting, practice, game preparation, and travel are physically demanding, and as coaches get older, the strain can take its toll.
While there’s no specific indication that Johnson’s health is currently a major issue, the reality is that the demands of coaching a high-profile program like Ohio State may be harder to manage as he ages. The physical toll of long hours and high-stress situations could be catching up with him, and it may be a good time for Ohio State to start thinking about the future of the program without him at the helm of the defensive line.
2. Stagnant Development of Defensive Line Talent
For years, Ohio State’s defensive line under Larry Johnson has been a major selling point for recruits. His development of players like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Joey Bosa has cemented his reputation as a top-tier defensive line coach. However, in recent seasons, some fans and analysts have begun to question whether the same level of player development is taking place.
While Ohio State has continued to recruit some of the nation’s best defensive line talent, the Buckeyes’ defensive line has not been as dominant in recent years. The program has produced fewer high-end, game-changing pass rushers compared to earlier years under Johnson’s tutelage. Part of this stagnation can be attributed to the evolution of college football itself, with offensive schemes becoming more fast-paced and pass-heavy. But the fact remains that the defense, despite having elite talent, has not always been able to consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks at the level expected of a top-tier program like Ohio State.
Many have pointed out that younger, more innovative coaches might be able to develop new strategies and push the defense into the next era, one that can fully exploit Ohio State’s incredible recruiting classes on the defensive line.
3. The Program’s Evolution Under Ryan Day
Under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has transformed into one of the most high-powered offenses in the country. The Buckeyes’ offense has dominated in recent seasons, thanks to a mixture of elite quarterback play, dynamic wide receivers, and a stellar offensive line. This offensive explosion has placed even more importance on having a top-tier defense that can match the offense’s output.
Day’s offense is designed to score quickly and put pressure on opposing teams to keep up. However, this offensive style also means that Ohio State needs a defense that can create quick turnovers and pressure the quarterback, preventing the opposing offense from gaining momentum. The defensive line, which Larry Johnson is responsible for, plays a major role in this. But Ohio State’s defense has often been inconsistent, particularly in big games.
While Johnson has had great success in the past, the defensive unit as a whole has not been able to consistently complement Ohio State’s offensive explosiveness. Ryan Day needs to find a defensive coordinator and position coaches who can keep pace with the high-speed, aggressive style of the offense. A fresh perspective could revitalize the defensive line and bring about more immediate results, especially in crucial matchups against elite opponents.
4. Recruiting Struggles
Recruiting remains the lifeblood of any elite college football program. Larry Johnson has built a reputation for landing top-tier defensive line prospects, but in recent years, the Buckeyes have found themselves fighting harder for these players. With younger, hungrier coaches across the country, particularly in the SEC and other powerhouse conferences, Ohio State may need to find a coach who can maintain a competitive edge on the recruiting trail.
The defensive line has been an area where Ohio State has consistently landed elite prospects, but that is no longer guaranteed. As recruiting continues to evolve with changing NIL opportunities and increasing emphasis on player development, Ohio State must have a coach who is capable of not only landing big-time recruits but also ensuring that they stay committed to the program.
A younger defensive line coach could be more adept at relating to recruits, particularly in a rapidly changing landscape. By moving on from Johnson, Ohio State might be able to enhance its recruiting efforts and continue to secure the best and brightest defensive line prospects in the country.
5. A Changing Culture in College Football
College football is constantly evolving. From the rise of the spread offense to the increasing importance of passing games, the dynamics of the sport are changing rapidly. Defensive coordinators and position coaches must adapt to these changes in order to stay relevant and effective. The defensive line is no exception.
Larry Johnson’s traditional methods, while highly effective for a number of years, may no longer be as impactful as they once were. Younger coaches may bring a more modern approach to defensive line play, focusing on new techniques, training regimens, and strategies that reflect the current state of the game. College football is moving in a direction that places more emphasis on speed, agility, and versatility, and a younger coach may better understand how to implement these qualities into the defensive line.
It’s not that Larry Johnson has failed to adjust; it’s that the game is changing so rapidly that a fresh perspective is needed to match the innovation of today’s offenses.
6. Time for New Leadership and a Fresh Perspective
It is not unusual for elite programs to seek change after a period of success, particularly when a program’s overall trajectory begins to plateau. Ohio State, while still a powerhouse, has experienced some setbacks in recent years, particularly in high-profile games against top-tier competition. While Larry Johnson’s legacy as one of the best defensive line coaches in college football is unquestionable, it might be time for Ohio State to consider a change in leadership in order to achieve sustained success moving forward.
New leadership can bring fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a revamped strategy to an area that has seen diminishing returns. The defensive line is an area that could benefit from a coach who can not only develop the talent but also adapt to the changing nature of the game. A new defensive line coach could help Ohio State become more dynamic and flexible on the defensive front, ensuring that they remain competitive against the ever-evolving offenses of the Big Ten and beyond.