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ATHENS, Ohio – Colin Johnson has been named Ohio football's offensive line coach, as announced by Head Coach
John Hauser on Thursday (Jan. 29).
"I am very excited to welcome Colin to Athens. He brings a strong background in player development and a detailed, physical approach to line play that aligns with our program's standards," Hauser said. "His emphasis on fundamentals, accountability, and toughness will be instrumental in developing our offensive line and supporting the overall success of our offense."
Johnson comes to Ohio by way of Butler, where he served as the Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs Coach for the 2025 season. This marked Johnson's third stint at Butler; he was the Bulldogs' offensive line coach in 2018 and their defensive tackles coach in 2011. During the 2025 season, Johnson assisted in developing two All-Pioneer Football League selections: offensive lineman Charles Mackley earned first-team recognition, while wide receiver Ethan Loss was named All-PFL Second Team.
"I am humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the Ohio University football staff. The opportunity to work with
John Hauser, a guy I've known for 25 years, is truly an honor," Johnson said. "This program has been nothing short of stellar because of the leadership, the people involved, and the culture instilled over the years of consistent dedication to its brand. My family and I are excited to join the Athens and Ohio University community!"
Prior to Butler, Johnson returned to his alma mater, Ball State, from 2019-24 as the running game coordinator and offensive line coach. He served as interim head coach of the Ball State Cardinals for the final two games of the 2024 season.
Under Johnson at Ball State, Corey Stewart (2023), Damon Kaylor (2023), Ethan Crowe (2022) and Curtis Blackwell (2021) all earned All-MAC honors while anchoring Johnson's offensive line. Blackwell and Crowe helped pave the way for running back Carson Steele to post 1,000-yard rushing seasons. In 2022, Ball State allowed just 4.31 tackles-for-loss per game, which was 17th-best in the nation. The team boasted its second-highest rushing average in the past 40 years, reaching 219.4 yards per game In 2020, Ball State brought home its first conference championship in 24 years, and in 2019, All-MAC First Team selection Danny Pinter was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the NFL draft, where he completed his rookie season.
Before returning to Ball State, he made his second stop at Butler, where he helped three offensive linemen earn all-conference accolades in 2018.
Johnson's other collegiate coaching stops include DePauw, The College of Wooster and Indiana, plus another stint at Butler. He spent five seasons at DePauw from 2013-17 under former Ball State head coach Bill Lynch. Johnson's primary role was with the offensive line, and he helped eight players earn all-league accolades. He worked with the offensive line at Wooster in 2012 and defensive tackles at Butler in 2011.
Johnson worked at Indiana as a special teams quality control coach and an offensive graduate assistant from 2008-10. While at Indiana, he worked with NFL draft selections Rodger Saffold and James Brewer.
His coaching career started on Indianapolis-area high school staffs at Warren Central and Zionsville after serving as an intern on the Ball State staff in 2003.
Johnson earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from Ball State in 2003. He spent one season competing in the Arena Football League 2 as a member of the Peoria Pirates, starting 11 games and helping the Pirates to the 2004 Arena Cup.
Johnson was a four-year letterwinner at Ball State from 1999-02. A team captain for the Cardinals in his final season, he missed a game during his junior season with a broken right hand but returned to start the final eight games after learning to snap with his left hand.
Johnson met his wife, Josie, have two children, Violet and Benjamin.
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