Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is a hot name in the coaching carousel right now, which has led to him being pursued by multiple massive programs. This includes the CFP semifinalist and conference neighbor, including the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Why Is Jim Knowles Such a Hot Candidate?
According to a report by Football Scoop, they have reportedly offered the defensive mastermind $3.2 million a year to fill their DC vacancy.
Knowles is also reportedly being pursued by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Oklahoma Sooners. When asked earlier in the week about these rumors, Knowles was noncommittal due to his focus on the national championship game, but now that the season is over, Knowles could be looking to take another job.
The 59-year-old is currently the third-highest-paid assistant coach in college football. Coming off a national title, there aren’t many opportunities that would be more appealing than his current one, but maybe a different challenge and a larger salary could have him land at a new program.
Knowles has been a defensive coordinator at four different FBS programs, but he most recently joined the Buckeyes after serving as defensive coordinator under Mike Gundy with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
The veteran coordinator brings a lot of experience calling defenses and has been around many great players and coaches.
MORE: Did Oklahoma Just Hire Ohio State’s Jim Knowles? Rivals Site Sparks Speculation
He was brought in to fix a struggling Buckeyes defense but did much more than that. His defense was the top scoring defense this season and allowed the fewest yards in the country. This unit anchored the national championship-winning team and improved every year since he got there.
The reputation that the Buckeyes built under Knowles has provided many benefits. It certainly has helped the team win games on the field, but it is even helping them win off the field.
Ohio State, under Knowles, has been able to attract many talented defensive standouts, including those from the transfer portal. Superstar safety Caleb Downs left Alabama to join the Buckeyes defense, and many players followed, proving Knowles has recruiting chops to add to his coaching talent.
Knowles’ defense is complex and very difficult to break down. His schemes put players in positions to succeed, and his adaptability makes it almost impossible to prepare for.
He runs what he calls a 4-2-5 defense but often substitutes, depending on the situation, and can shift to more of a 4-3 or 3-4 front unexpectedly to create confusion. Knowles has excelled at designing stunts and creating pressure up front.
In terms of coverage, Knowles is versatile but often has multiple safeties deep to limit big plays. Ohio State’s ability to create pressure upfront while keeping as many guys in coverage as needed was a big reason why they allowed the fewest yards in the country.
Knowles expects a lot out of his players due to his complex scheme but develops them so that they can play at this level. Knowles is one of the best defensive minds in the sport, and the interest he is garnering makes a lot of sense.
The Buckeyes have seen great defensive output under Knowles, but it is not yet known if they would be willing to give Knowles a raise. They might have to in order to keep him in Columbus.
Meanwhile, Penn State lost its own defensive coordinator, Tom Allen, after he left to join the Clemson Tigers earlier this offseason.
If Knowles takes another job in this cycle, he will likely become the highest-paid assistant coach on the college stage. The Nittany Lions, coming off one of the best seasons in program history, are being very aggressive in their pursuit of Knowles.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
The Nittany Lions seem to be all-in on winning the national championship in the near future, and a move for the defensive mastermind could be what puts them over the top.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
