The college football world was rocked on Sunday by reports that Penn State is finalizing a blockbuster deal to hire Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Sources indicate the Nittany Lions are prepared to make Knowles the highest-paid coordinator in the sport, with a three-year contract averaging $3.1 million per season.
The move comes fresh off Knowles leading the Buckeyes to a national championship on the strength of the nation’s top-ranked defense. Ohio State finished first in both total defense and scoring defense, allowing a measly 12.9 points per game. They also ranked third against both the run and the pass.
Knowles a Hot Commodity After Title Run
Knowles’ success made him a coveted target this offseason, drawing interest from the likes of Notre Dame and Oklahoma in addition to Penn State. The Buckeyes made a strong push to retain their defensive mastermind, reportedly offering a deal that would have made him the top-paid coordinator in the country.
But the chance to join a Penn State program fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance and returning a strong core for 2025 proved too enticing to pass up. The Nittany Lions are expected to open next season as one of the top national title contenders.
Record-Setting Contract for a Coordinator
Knowles’ $3.1 million annual salary shatters the previous high mark for a coordinator. He’s believed to be the first coordinator to reach the $3 million threshold.
- Michigan’s Wink Martindale and LSU’s Blake Baker are set to make $2.5 million in 2023
- Knowles himself made a $2.2 million base salary at Ohio State in 2024, which approached $3 million with title bonuses
It’s a reflection of the growing value and influence of top coordinators in the sport. With offenses continuing to post video game numbers, programs are shelling out top dollar to coaches who can devise schemes to slow them down. And few have done it better than Knowles over the past few seasons.
Rare Intra-Conference Coaching Shift
Knowles jumping from Ohio State to Penn State is a rare coaching move between programs in the same conference, especially when it involves two historic Big Ten powers. It adds even more intrigue and intensity to a rivalry that has been heating up in recent years.
Ohio State-Penn State has developed into one of the best annual games in college football. Knowles going from one sideline to the other takes it to another level.
Prominent Big Ten reporter
The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions have split their last four meetings, with each matchup having major implications on the Big Ten and national title races. The 2023 game in Columbus came down to the wire, with Ohio State escaping 28-24 after Penn State missed a last-second field goal that would have pulled a huge road upset.
The 2025 edition, with Knowles having intimate knowledge of Ohio State’s personnel and tendencies, is already shaping up as one of the most anticipated games of the season. The storylines and emotions will be off the charts when Knowles returns to the Horseshoe wearing enemy colors.
New Era for Penn State Defense
Penn State has fielded solid defenses in recent seasons under former coordinator Manny Diaz, but Knowles represents an upgrade to truly elite status. The Nittany Lions finished 2024 ranked 18th in scoring defense (19.8 ppg) and 25th in total defense.
While those are respectable numbers, Knowles’ track record suggests Penn State can reach a new level on that side of the ball. In addition to Ohio State ranking No. 1 in virtually every category in 2024, his 2023 defense also led the nation in yards allowed and finished second in points allowed.
Knowles deploys an aggressive 4-2-5 base defense that is known for its innovative pressures and coverages. His ability to confuse quarterbacks with a variety of looks and disguised blitzes has made life miserable for even the most talented offenses.
The cupboard is well-stocked for Knowles in State College, as Penn State returns the bulk of a defense that was very good in 2024. Standouts like linebacker Abdul Carter, cornerback Kalen King and defensive end Chop Robinson should thrive in Knowles’ system.
More Pressure on Big Ten Offenses
Offenses across the Big Ten are surely not thrilled to see Knowles staying in the conference. His defenses have feasted on most opponents over the past two seasons:
- Ohio State held explosive Michigan to 2.8 yards per rush and sacked QB J.J. McCarthy 6 times in a 2024 blowout win
- Penn State managed just 13 points and 248 total yards in their 2023 loss to Ohio State
- Michigan State has scored a total of 10 points against Knowles’ Buckeyes the past two seasons
If Knowles can build the same type of suffocating unit at Penn State, it makes an already rugged path through the Big Ten East even tougher. Having to face Ohio State and Penn State in back-to-back weeks with Knowles-led defenses will be a brutal gauntlet.
Jim Knowles staying in the Big Ten is a problem for a lot of teams, especially on our side of the conference. He’s going to have Penn State rolling on defense.
Anonymous Big Ten offensive coordinator
Buckeyes Begin DC Search
For Ohio State, the task now turns to replacing the architect of the nation’s best defense. It’s a massive job in Columbus, with sky-high annual expectations and a roster loaded with five-star talents.
Early names to watch for the vacancy include Cincinnati’s Mike Tressel, Iowa State’s Jon Heacock and Alabama’s Pete Golding. The Buckeyes are expected to target candidates with experience in the 4-2-5 scheme Knowles ran to great success the past two seasons.
After finally breaking through for a national title in 2024, Ohio State will be looking to sustain that momentum and fend off a hungry Penn State squad that now boasts the highest-paid coordinator in the sport. The Big Ten arms race continues to escalate.
