Defensive Line Coach
Larry Johnson is in his 19th season on the Penn State staff and 15th season as the defensive line coach. He was named the Nittany Lions[apos] interim head coach on January 2, 2014. Johnson has been an instrumental member of the Nittany Lions[apos] 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 15 first-team All-Big Ten performers, including team Senior MVP DaQuan Jones last season. Tackle Jordan Hill earned first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-America honors in 2012. 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[apos]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, who ranks 12th in school career receptions.