Larry Johnson is in his 18th season on the Penn State staff and 14th season as the defensive line coach. He has been an instrumental member of the Nittany Lions' recruiting efforts and defensive and special teams success during his tenure. Johnson has developed seven first-team All-Americans and six Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year or Defensive Lineman of the Year honorees since 1999. Johnson also has coached 14 first-team All-Big Ten performers. Tackle Jordan Hill earned first-team All-Big Ten and Athlon second-team All-America honors last year.
Devon Still was a consensus first-team All-America tackle in 2011, as well as the Big Ten Defensive Lineman and Defensive Player-of-the-Year. Jared Odrick (2009), Aaron Maybin (2008), All-Pro Tamba Hali (2005), Michael Haynes (2002) and Jimmy Kennedy (2002) were first-team All-Americans and NFL first-round draft choices under Johnson's tutelage. His efforts with Courtney Brown helped him earn All-America honors in 1999 and become the No. 1 selection in the 2000 NFL Draft. A highly-successful high school head coach in the Washington, D.C. area for more than 20 years, Johnson is a graduate of Elizabeth City (N.C.) State University, earning NAIA All-America honors at linebacker. One son, Larry, became just the ninth player in NCAA history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season in 2002 and was a two-time All-Pro pick with the Kansas City Chiefs. Another son, Tony, was a Penn State wide receiver from 2000-03, ranking 11th in school career receptions.
