The Ohio State Buckeyes capped off a great season with a historic College Football Playoff National Championship win, but defensive coordinator Jim Knowles found himself elsewhere for the celebration.
Ohio State Blocks Jim Knowles From National Title Celebration
Though Knowles’ defense played a pivotal role in securing the team’s spot in the title game, he was notably absent from the celebratory events at Ohio Stadium. The absence wasn’t due to any personal conflict but rather to a contract dispute with Ohio State. It would eventually lead him to leave for a lucrative opportunity at Penn State as a defensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions.
According to a report by Brett McMurphy of Action Network, Ohio State asked Knowles to skip the team’s national championship celebration.
Meanwhile, he was considering offers from other programs. Knowles’ contract negotiations with Ohio State had reached a tipping point. He and his representatives were attempting to finalize a deal to keep him in Columbus.
However, Ohio State’s offer ultimately fell “well below” the level of competition from other schools, particularly Penn State. The situation escalated, and Knowles agreed to a significant contract with Penn State that would change the course of his coaching career.
While Knowles had been with Ohio State for several seasons, he’ll now be leading the defense of a conference foe on a three-year, $9.3 million deal.
His new position as defensive coordinator at Penn State was officially confirmed on Monday. It followed a season in which Ohio State’s defense under Knowles helped secure a remarkable national championship appearance due to a top scoring defense.
Ohio State’s Last-Minute Offer to Keep Knowles
Before Knowles committed to Penn State, Ohio State reportedly attempted to extend an offer to keep him in Columbus. It was one that would have made him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football.
However, Knowles’ decision to leave came after he received a better financial offer from Penn State, where he will earn an average of $3.1 million annually.
His base salary with Ohio State had been $2.2 million, so the new contract with the Nittany Lions represents a considerable financial upgrade. ESPN’s Pete Thamel noted that Knowles was likely the first college football coordinator to receive a base salary exceeding $3 million.
Knowles’ move to Penn State brings a new chapter in his coaching career. He will be tasked with continuing to strengthen the Nittany Lions’ defense, which finished 2024 ranked eighth nationally, allowing just 16.5 points per game.
While they were a formidable defensive unit, Knowles’ arrival signals an effort to elevate their performance to even greater heights. The Nittany Lions will have to overcome the loss of standout pass rusher Abdul Carter, who declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. However, with Knowles at the helm, there is confidence that the defense can remain among the best in the Big Ten.
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Although Knowles will no longer be part of Ohio State’s coaching staff, the Buckeyes are poised to remain a dominant force in college football. The team’s performance in the 2024 College Football Playoff was exceptional. They trailed for only six minutes and five seconds across the four playoff games, winning by double digits in every contest.
As Ohio State moves forward, the team will have to adjust to the changes in its coaching staff, including Knowles’ departure. However, the Buckeyes’ victory in the inaugural 12-team playoff is a testament to success even in the face of challenges. The team will continue to look for ways to maintain its top-tier defense despite losing one of its key defensive minds.
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