The Penn State Nittany Lions pulled off a major coaching shake-up, luring defensive coordinator Jim Knowles away from the Ohio State Buckeyes. For Knowles, this move is a dream come true — he’s always wanted to be part of the Nittany Lions program.
But for Buckeyes fans, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Knowles was a key architect of Ohio State’s defensive success last season, and his departure has sparked frustration among the fanbase.
Jim Knowles Leaves Ohio State for Penn State
After Penn State lost their defensive coordinator, Tom Allen, to Clemson, they were on the lookout for a new one, and they tried to work out a deal with Knowles early. Well, it turned out to be successful for the Nittany Lions.
With this decision, Penn State is on its way to becoming the best team in college football. Knowles will help the program close the gap between teams like Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten.
Penn State was ranked third in scoring defense in the conference last year. So, Ohio State fans weren’t too happy when ESPN’s Pete Thamel announced the news that Knowles could be making a move to the Nittany Lions, leaving behind his current team, Ohio State.
One user was disappointed and wrote, “I hate this. Stepping stone program however.”
I hate this. Stepping stone program however
— BongoBlue2 (@Blue2Bongo) January 26, 2025
“What a shame,” one user pitched in with the frustration.
What a shame
— GOP Josh Lickliter 🇺🇸 (@GOPJosh20) January 26, 2025
“This doesn’t make much sense to me tbh..,” one user seemed to be confused by the entire situation.
This doesn't make much sense to me tbh..
— The Ball Street Journal (@W3KNOWBALL) January 26, 2025
“What’s in it for Knowles? Must be something else going on besides money,” one user opined about the situation.
What’s in it for Knowles? Must be something else going on besides money.
— Jerry (@DrJ_is_Batman) January 26, 2025
“Definitely a downgrade for him but hey it is what it is smh,” another user said.
Definitely a downgrade for him but hey it is what it is smh
— marissa marie 🤎🧡 (@mrs25159) January 26, 2025
Jim Knowles has been coaching for 38 years now and has served at Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Duke, and Western Michigan. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day honored Knowles by calling him the best defensive coordinator in the nation. Well, this turned the attention of Penn State coach James Franklin toward him.
Knowles Opens Up About Joining Penn State
Knowles recently attended a press conference after he joined the Penn State football program as the DC. He recalled how he used to watch Nittany Lions highlights and always used to think about playing with the team. Now, he is exactly where he wanted to be.
In a recent social media video uploaded by the official Penn State X handle, Knowles talked about his journey from being a Philly guy to becoming the defensive coordinator at Penn State.
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“Penn State was everything,” Knowles said in the video. “It was everything. That’s what we aspired to be. And I couldn’t get there as a player, but through a lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of really good players, that allowed me to reach that point in my career where I could really pick wherever I wanted to be. And growing up as a kid, Penn State was everything, and this is where I want to be.”
Knowles surprised many by joining Penn State, as many expected him to continue his tenure with Ohio State, especially since they just won the national championship.
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