Ohio State’s defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is reportedly in the final stages of a deal to join Penn State as their new defensive coordinator. According to sources, Knowles is expected to sign a three-year contract with an average value of $3.1 million per season, which would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football history. He would be the first coordinator to earn a base salary of at least $3 million.
Before this potential move, Knowles had a base salary of $2.2 million last season, which nearly reached $3 million with performance bonuses tied to Ohio State’s successful national title run. Although the Buckeyes made a strong effort to retain him with an offer to remain the highest-paid coordinator in the country, Knowles attracted interest from several other major programs, including Notre Dame and Oklahoma.
During his tenure at Ohio State, Knowles led the team to an impressive season, finishing first in the nation in total defense and scoring defense, allowing just 12.9 points per game. The Buckeyes also ranked third nationally in both run defense and passing yards allowed.
Knowles’s move to Penn State comes at an exciting time, as the Nittany Lions return a significant core of their 2024 College Football Playoff team and are viewed as strong contenders for the national title next season. Key defensive players, such as linemen Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant, cornerback A.J. Harris, and linebacker Tony Rojas, will provide a solid foundation for Knowles to build on. Furthermore, the return of offensive stars such as quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen adds to the team’s optimism for the upcoming 2025 season.
The veteran coordinator has experience at multiple institutions, including Duke and Oklahoma State, and has enjoyed a successful run at Ohio State since his arrival in 2022. His expertise is expected to benefit Penn State as they aim for success in the competitive Big Ten landscape.
This transition highlights the increasing trend of coaching movements within college football, particularly in the Big Ten, as teams strive to enhance their defenses. Knowles’s track record of developing top-tier defensive units could prove vital for Penn State as they prepare for the next chapter in their football journey.
In summary, this coaching shift not only underscores the significance of Knowles’s proven defensive strategy but also positions Penn State as a formidable contender in the coming seasons, buoyed by a talented roster and a visionary defensive leader.