Ohio State football is renowned for producing top-tier defensive linemen, a legacy that has only grown under the guidance of Larry Johnson since 2014. This year, the spotlight is on defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and defensive end Caden Curry, who is also expected to make waves on draft day.
Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley, who has seen Johnson's work up close, shared insights into what makes him so effective. "He's a really good, technical coach," Hafley noted at the NFL Combine.
"He's demanding with his players, builds great relationships, and is an excellent evaluator. The talent he's recruited is exceptional."
Hafley's journey in football began in New Jersey, with collegiate play at Siena from 1997 to 2000. He started coaching as a running backs coach at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2001 before shifting focus to defense.
His career includes roles with various college programs and NFL teams, eventually leading him to Ohio State in 2019. There, he served as a co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, working alongside Johnson and witnessing the rise of star defensive end Chase Young.
After leaving Ohio State in 2020 to become Boston College's head coach, Hafley transitioned to the Packers as defensive coordinator until the Dolphins brought him on board last month. Despite his brief tenure at Ohio State, Hafley remains appreciative of the mentors who influenced his career.
"Ryan does a fantastic job with evaluation and developing players from the ground up," Hafley added. "Larry is truly a great coach."