Coaches focus on defensive stability for their teams. Defensive stability provides a suitable foundation on which to build success. Penn State’s football program understands this well and has made several moves to improve its defensive performance.
The desire for security at the role has seen the team cycle through four defensive coordinators in four years. Now, another defensive coordinator has arrived. What does Jim Knowles’s arrival mean for the Nittany Lions?
Is Jim Knowles The Answer to Penn State’s DC Woes?
Penn State has worked relentlessly over the past four years to improve its defensive performance. Each defensive coordinator brought in has tried to leave a mark before moving on. Big names like Brent Pry, Manny Diaz, and Tom Allen tried to push for change. While they made contributions, Penn State aimed higher.
Now, Penn State has appointed Jim Knowles as the new defensive coordinator. Could his arrival end Penn State’s four-year run of defensive coordinator hires?
In response to Bud Elliott’s question about Knowles’s arrival, Daniel Gallen of Lions247 said, “The big thing that James Franklin has talked about is that he’s looking for guys whose schemes fit the personnel that Penn State has traditionally had.”
“That’s been something that he’s considered a lot because they don’t want these guys that they’ve recruited to do certain things to have to completely change their bodies or completely change their roles.”
With an experienced defensive coordinator like Knowles, hopes are high that his arrival will improve the team’s defensive performance. More importantly, he can adapt to the available personnel.
Knowles’ Coaching Achievements Make Him an Excellent Hire
With over 17 years of experience as a defensive coordinator, Knowles is well-suited for this new role. He has worked at Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Duke, and Western Michigan.
At Ohio State and Oklahoma State, his defenses ranked 1st nationally in total defense (284.8 yards per game), 2nd in scoring defense (15.7 points per game), and 3rd in third-down efficiency (30.5%).
Knowles played a leading role in ensuring that Ohio State won the National Championship. Impressively, his team’s defense ranked first nationally in scoring defense, total defense, yards allowed per play, touchdowns allowed per play, and opponents’ touchdowns scored in the red zone.
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Thus, he comes with excellent credentials, and if he can bring this form to Penn State, the team’s defensive play will improve.
If Penn State is to have a strong defensive unit in the upcoming season, things must work out for Jim Knowles. Based on his record and talent, hopes are high that his arrival will end Penn State’s defensive coordinator carousel.
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