In addition to announcing the promotion of James Laurinaitis to linebackers coach on Thursday, Ohio State also announced that Tim Walton has received a promotion to assistant head coach/secondary and cornerbacks coach, and that he is one of several assistant coaches to receive a contract extension.
Walton received a two-year extension through 2026, joining defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and defensive line coach Larry Johnson in receiving two-year extensions. Knowles’ contract now runs through 2026 while Johnson’s is through 2025, signaling a further commitment to Johnson and his future despite consistent rumors of retirement. Laurinaitis’ promotion also comes with a two-year deal that will keep the former Ohio State linebacker in Columbus through at least 2025.
Tight ends coach Keenan Bailey also picked up a one-year extension that ties him to Ohio State through 2025, while Ohio State also announced that Tony Johnson – the son of Larry Johnson, and a former wide receiver at Penn State – is joining the staff as a senior analyst.
With the promotion of Laurinaitis and other coaching updates, Ohio State’s staff is now complete for next season. Head coach Ryan Day will have Bailey on offense in addition to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Kelly, wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, running backs coach Tony Alford and offensive line coach Justin Frye, while the defense will feature Laurinaitis, Knowles, Johnson, Walton and new safeties coach Matt Guerrieri.
