COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Larry Johnson, who spent the past 18 years as an assistant at Penn State, is joining Ohio State’s staff as an assistant head coach and defensive line coach.
Johnson was Penn State’s interim coach before James Franklin was hired for the top job on Saturday. Johnson replaces three-year Buckeyes assistant Mike Vrabel, who left his alma mater to work for former Nittany Lions coach Bill O’Brien with the Houston Texans.
Seven of Johnson’s Penn State defensive linemen were first-round NFL draft picks.
Ohio State still must replace co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Everett Withers, who took the head coaching job at James Madison.
