Penn State hired Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator, the team announced Monday. Knowles joins the Nittany Lions after coordinating Ohio State’s defense in their national championship season.
The departure from Ohio State wasn’t smooth, according to Action Network’s Brett McMurphy. McMurphy reported Knowles wasn’t invited to the Buckeyes’ championship celebration while considering his options.
“Ohio State DC Jim Knowles was asked by school not to attend Buckeyes’ national title celebration while he deliberated his options, source said,” McMurphy wrote. “Knowles’ representation tried to reach deal w/OSU week before title game & immediately after, but eventual offer was ‘well below’ the competition, source said. Knowles signed a 3-year, $9.3 million deal w/Penn State Sunday.”
Under Knowles, Ohio State’s defense dominated the postseason. The Buckeyes allowed 75 total points across four games and trailed for just six minutes. Their strongest performance came in a 28-14 Cotton Bowl victory over Texas.
“I am excited for this opportunity to join Penn State Football,” Knowles said. “I have always had a ton of respect for Coach Franklin and the program he has built here. I look forward to working with this tremendous staff and group of student-athletes and am ready to get to work.”
Head coach James Franklin praised Knowles’ defensive expertise.
“He’s a strong strategist and excellent defensive mind,” Franklin said. “He reflects the core values our culture of excellence is built upon. We look forward to having Jim and his family join us in Happy Valley.”
Knowles will face his former team when Penn State visits Ohio State in November. Both programs are expected to be ranked in the top 10.
