Terry Johnson is moving on. He just isn't heading that far away.
The long-time assistant coach who followed Chris Holtmann from Butler to Ohio State in 2017 is leaving to join Matt Painter's Purdue staff.
"My family and I are excited to be here," Johnson said in a statement. "Being from Anderson, Indiana, I have known Coach Painter for a long time and have been watching the program for a long time. I'm really looking forward to join a great university and continue and enhance the success this program has had."
Head coach Matt Painter has announced that Ohio State assistant coach Terry Johnson will join the Boilermaker staff. pic.twitter.com/QExVZFRGnD
— Purdue Mens Basketball (@BoilerBall) April 22, 2021
Johnson has been in charge of the Buckeyes' big men ever since arriving four years ago, and he has also played a significant role in putting together their defense. The Buckeyes' defense slipped to 82nd last season in adjusted efficiency, but it had ranked top-25 nationally in the three years beforehand. Johnson is expected to have more of a hand in the offense at Purdue, which could make him a better head coaching candidate.
Holtmann went out of his way in early February to vouch for Johnson becoming a head coach.
"Part of the reason why I feel compelled so hard in this job is to help guys have opportunities, and I really believe that he deserves an opportunity," Holtmann said on Feb. 4.
Before leaving Butler four years ago, Johnson had worked in the state of Indiana since 2004. He'll now head back to the state in which he has spent most of his coaching career.
Ryan Pedon and Jake Diebler are currently the other assistant coaches on Holtmann's three-person staff of assistants that now has an opening.
