Jim Knowles

2025 - 1 - 26

Jim Knowles Takes His Playbook to Penn State: The Real Game-Changer in College Football!

Big Ten Conference - coaching changes - college football - defensive coordinator - football strategy - Jim Knowles - Ohio State Buckeyes - Penn State Nittany Lions

Jim Knowles is trading his Buckeyes for Nittany Lions in a surprising yet strategic leap. Is this move going to redefine the college football defense game?

In a shocking twist in the college football landscape, Jim Knowles, previously Ohio State's defensive coordinator, has agreed to a lucrative three-year contract with Penn State to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the nation. After leading the Buckeyes to a national championship while allowing the fewest average yards in FBS, Knowles faces a new challenge in his former Big Ten rival, the Nittany Lions. The decision comes as a bolt out of the blue for Ohio State fans, who hoped to keep their star defensive architect in Columbus, but they are left now contemplating what this means for their team's future strategy on defense.

Knowles’ impressive resume includes a successful tenure at Oklahoma State, where he was instrumental in revitalizing the Cowboy’s defensive strategies that took them to new heights. His arrival at Penn State follows the departure of their previous defensive coordinator, and Knowles is expected to bring a fresh yet tested approach to the Penn State defense, which has its sights set on returning to the top of the Big Ten. While the rivalry between Ohio State and Penn State heats up, Knowles’ shift might just smooth some tensions in the coaching battlefield between these two historic rivals.

Reactions from fans and analysts alike are pouring in, with many questioning whether this move strengthens Penn State’s defensive game plan significantly, or if it's merely a lateral transition amongst fierce competitors. Will Knowles be able to replicate the success he had at Ohio State? His ability to cultivate top talent and implement strategic gameplay will be under the microscope as fans speculate about the potential impact on the Nittany Lions’ upcoming season.

As the dust settles on this major announcement, one cannot overlook the irony of Jim Knowles strengthening a rival that Ohio State will have to face once again. The impact of his strategies, contingent on the talent he manages to cultivate over the coming years, could reshape the dynamics of Big Ten defenses forever. It’s said that in college football, you can never rest on your laurels, especially as rivals are constantly looking to outmaneuver each other.

Interestingly, Jim Knowles' resume is not just colored with accolades; he was also a dear student of defensive strategies, visiting NFL camps to understand the evolution of the game. Moreover, the rivalry between Ohio State and Penn State has always had a rich history, with each team vying for supremacy in the Big Ten, and now with Knowles at the helm, this rivalry is set to take on a fresh dimension. Let’s see how this chess match plays out in the 2024 season!

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Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Sources - Penn State finalizing deal for Ohio State DC Jim Knowles ... (ESPN)

Ohio State's Jim Knowles is finalizing a 3-year deal with Penn State to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football, sources told ...

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Image courtesy of "news9.com KWTV"

Report: Sooners defensive coordinator target Jim Knowles accepts ... (news9.com KWTV)

The former Ohio State and Oklahoma State defensive coordinator has reportedly accepted a job at Penn State, according to Griffin Media's Toby Rowland. Sunday, ...

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Image courtesy of "Centre Daily Times"

Penn State to hire Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to ... (Centre Daily Times)

Penn State Nittany Lions football has a new defensive coordinator after James Franklin hired Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

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Image courtesy of "Sports Illustrated"

Ohio State Loses DC Jim Knowles to Big Ten Rival Days After ... (Sports Illustrated)

According to multiple reports, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is leaving Columbus to become Penn State's defensive coordinator—a lateral move. The news was ...

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Image courtesy of "CBSSports.com"

Penn State hires Jim Knowles from Ohio State, making him college ... (CBSSports.com)

Fresh off a national championship run with Ohio State, Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has accepted the same position at Big Ten rival Penn State ...

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Image courtesy of "The Daily Collegian Online"

Penn State reportedly set to hire Ohio State defensive coordinator ... (The Daily Collegian Online)

Penn State has addressed its defensive coordinator vacancy, and the new staff member comes from a Big Ten rival.

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Image courtesy of "The Columbus Dispatch"

Ohio State football defensive coordinator Jim Knowles reportedly ... (The Columbus Dispatch)

According to reports, Penn State is finalizing a deal to lure defensive coordinator Jim Knowles away from Ohio State.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

Penn State hiring DC Jim Knowles from Ohio State, making him ... (Yahoo Sports)

Knowles' defense with the Buckeyes led FBS in average yards allowed this season en route to a national title.

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Image courtesy of "York Daily Record/Sunday News"

How Penn State hire would shake college football: 3 things to know ... (York Daily Record/Sunday News)

Why is Jim Knowles a great fit to lead Penn State's defense? Get to know the former Ohio State assistant coach ...

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

'We could really get Jim?': Jim Knowles, Anthony Poindexter and ... (Yahoo Sports)

In perhaps the biggest offseason move so far, Penn State hired away Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to make him the highest-paid coordinator in ...

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Image courtesy of "The Columbus Dispatch"

What does Jim Knowles leaving for Penn State mean for Ohio State ... (The Columbus Dispatch)

The departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles adds a challenge for Ohio State, which was already dealing with heavy roster turnover on defense.

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Image courtesy of "York Daily Record/Sunday News"

Jim Knowles contract details: Penn State makes DC highest-paid ... (York Daily Record/Sunday News)

Here's what to know about former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' reported salary and contract details at Penn State:

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Image courtesy of "Onward State"

Getting To Know Penn State Football Defensive Coordinator Jim ... (Onward State)

Entering his 37th year coaching, Knowles brings a loaded resume to the Nittany Lion sideline. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native graduated from St. Joseph's ...

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Report: Ohio State Asked Jim Knowles Not to Attend CFP ... (Bleacher Report)

Ohio State reportedly asked defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to skip the team's College Football Playoff national championship celebration while he…

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Penn State Officially Hires Ohio State's Jim Knowles as Next ... (State College News)

Jim Knowles, fresh off leading Ohio State to a national championship last week in his third year with the program, was officially announced as the Nittany Lions ...

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Image courtesy of "10TV"

Jim Knowles leaves Ohio State to become defensive coordinator at ... (10TV)

Knowles was in his third season as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Ohio State. Author: 10TV Web Staff, Associated Press. Published: 3:00 PM EST ...

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Penn State hires Jim Knowles, Ohio State DC, in same role (The Athletic)

Knowles would fill the void on Penn State's staff left by Tom Allen, who accepted the same position with Clemson earlier this month.

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Image courtesy of "Sports Illustrated"

Oregon Ducks' Chris Hampton to Replace Ohio State Buckeyes' Jim ... (Sports Illustrated)

Oregon Ducks co-defensive coordinator Chris Hampton is being listed as a candidate for the Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator job after Jim Knowles ...

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Image courtesy of "The Columbus Dispatch"

8 potential Ohio State football defensive coordinator candidates to ... (The Columbus Dispatch)

As Ryan Day looks to hire his fourth defensive coordinator in seven seasons, here are potential candidates to replace Jim Knowles.

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Penn State hiring Jim Knowles the latest step on hard road that ... (USA TODAY)

They all went through it, this road of gut punches and soul searching toward the college football elite. Nick Saban still talks about the three third-down ...

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What James Franklin, new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said ... (York Daily Record/Sunday News)

Penn State made the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles official on Monday. Here's what each had to say about the move ...

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