Following the 2025 Championship, Ohio State prepares for the possible departure of its star coordinator to the NFL.

As the 2025 college football season culminates with Ohio State lifting its long-awaited national championship trophy, the excitement and celebration on campus are palpable. Fans, players, and coaches alike revel in the team’s success, marking the culmination of years of hard work and relentless pursuit of excellence. However, while Ohio State has achieved the pinnacle of college football under head coach Ryan Day’s leadership, there’s an undercurrent of concern developing within the program: the possible departure of the team’s star defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, to the NFL.

Known for his innovative defensive schemes and ability to develop elite defensive talent, Knowles has become a cornerstone of Ohio State’s recent resurgence. After years of defensive struggles, Knowles transformed the Buckeyes into one of the most dominant defensive units in the nation. With the program’s success, both on the field and in player development, Knowles has garnered widespread recognition and has become one of the most sought-after defensive minds in all of football. Now, as the NFL coaching carousel heats up following Ohio State’s championship victory, the possibility of Knowles leaving for an NFL job is becoming more likely than ever.

Jim Knowles’ Impact at Ohio State

Since taking over as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator in 2022, Jim Knowles has played a pivotal role in the team’s resurgence. The Buckeyes had long been known for their explosive offense, but their defense had been inconsistent, particularly in big games. The arrival of Knowles, who previously transformed the Oklahoma State defense into a top-tier unit, changed all of that.

Knowles brought with him a reputation for innovative defensive schemes that blended traditional concepts with cutting-edge strategies. His focus on a hybrid defense, which utilized players in versatile roles, allowed Ohio State to counter the growing trend of up-tempo offenses in college football. His ability to develop defensive linemen, linebackers, and secondary players into highly productive and disruptive forces became a hallmark of his tenure.

In 2023, Ohio State’s defense, under Knowles’ leadership, emerged as one of the most dominant in the country. The Buckeyes ranked near the top in multiple defensive categories, including scoring defense, total defense, and passing defense. His influence was particularly felt in Ohio State’s ability to shut down potent offenses, most notably in their dominant playoff performances.

The defensive turnaround under Knowles culminated in Ohio State winning the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, a title that eluded the program since 2014. Knowles’ defense was a key factor in the team’s success, stifling high-powered offenses in the playoff and ultimately helping Ohio State secure the title. The victory solidified Ohio State’s position as one of the premier programs in college football and confirmed Knowles’ status as one of the most talented defensive coordinators in the game.

The NFL Opportunity: Why Knowles Could Be Tempted

While Ohio State’s 2025 national championship is a significant accomplishment, it may also signal the end of an era for Jim Knowles. As the NFL increasingly turns to college football for fresh, innovative coaching talent, Knowles finds himself at the forefront of a growing trend. The NFL is always in search of top-tier coaches to lead its teams, and Knowles has made a name for himself with his ability to transform defenses and adapt to the changing nature of football.

The NFL has seen a rise in the hiring of college coaches in recent years. Programs like the Los Angeles Rams, the San Francisco 49ers, and others have hired from the college ranks to bring a fresh perspective to their defenses. Knowles’ reputation as an innovative defensive mind makes him an ideal candidate for an NFL coaching job, and several NFL teams have been keeping a close eye on his success at Ohio State.

There are several factors that make the NFL an attractive option for Knowles:

1. Greater Financial Compensation: While Ohio State has one of the most lucrative coaching contracts in college football, the NFL offers even more financial incentives for top-tier coordinators. Head coaches in the NFL often earn salaries in excess of $10 million per year, and coordinators can see significant pay raises as well. For Knowles, the potential to earn even more money by making the leap to the NFL could be a compelling factor.
2. Higher Stakes and National Recognition: The NFL is the pinnacle of professional football, and coaching in the league offers a higher level of visibility and prestige. As a defensive coordinator in the NFL, Knowles would have the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage in the world of football and potentially coach some of the most talented players in the world.
3. Desire for New Challenges: After spending years in college football, Knowles may be looking for a new challenge. The NFL offers a different set of dynamics, including the opportunity to work with elite players, face different coaching philosophies, and compete against the best in the world. For Knowles, who has already accomplished so much in college football, the challenge of taking on the NFL’s elite offenses could be an exciting next step.
4. A Strong Track Record of Player Development: Knowles has built a reputation as a coach who develops players at a high level. His ability to get the most out of his defensive players has been a major factor in his success at Ohio State. In the NFL, where player development is a key focus, Knowles’ expertise in this area could make him a highly sought-after candidate.
5. Interest from NFL Teams: Several NFL teams could be looking for a new defensive coordinator following the 2025 season, particularly after the growing trend of hiring college football coaches to rejuvenate their defenses. Teams that are in need of a defensive overhaul or are looking for a fresh perspective could see Knowles as the perfect fit.

Ohio State’s Preparedness for Knowles’ Departure

While Ohio State has done everything it can to provide Knowles with the resources and support to remain in Columbus, the program must also prepare for the possibility of his departure. The Buckeyes understand that, in college football, coaching staffs are constantly evolving, and top coordinators are always in high demand.

Ryan Day, who has seen firsthand the impact that Knowles has had on the program, is well aware of the potential for his defensive coordinator to make the jump to the NFL. In preparation for this possibility, Ohio State has been taking several steps to ensure that the program remains strong, even if Knowles does decide to leave for a higher-profile NFL position.

1. Building Depth in the Coaching Staff: Ohio State has made a concerted effort to build a deep and experienced coaching staff, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The program has been proactive in developing potential successors to Knowles, making sure that there are multiple coaches on staff with the knowledge and experience to step in if Knowles leaves. Coaches like Al Washington and Perry Eliano, both of whom have extensive experience in defensive roles, are seen as potential candidates to take over if Knowles departs.
2. Investing in Recruiting and Player Development: One of the key reasons Knowles has been so successful at Ohio State is the program’s ability to recruit elite defensive talent. Even if Knowles were to leave, Ohio State remains one of the most attractive destinations for top defensive recruits in the country. The Buckeyes will continue to invest in their recruiting efforts and ensure that they are attracting top-tier defensive talent, making the transition to a new coordinator as smooth as possible.
3. Internal Discussions on the Future: Behind the scenes, Ohio State’s athletic department and coaching staff have likely had discussions about the future of the program, should Knowles leave. These discussions are focused on finding ways to maintain the program’s defensive excellence and ensuring that any transition is seamless. While replacing a coordinator of Knowles’ caliber is never easy, Ohio State has a history of overcoming coaching departures and continuing to compete at the highest level.
4. Financial Commitment to Coaching Staff: Ohio State has shown a willingness to invest heavily in its coaching staff, and this commitment will be key in retaining Knowles—or at least ensuring the program remains competitive if he leaves. Ohio State can offer top-dollar contracts to their coaching staff, and it’s possible the program will increase Knowles’ compensation package to entice him to stay.

The Path Forward for Ohio State

As the 2025 season unfolds, Ohio State finds itself at a crossroads. The program has just captured its national championship, and while the joy of victory is still fresh, the reality of the NFL’s interest in Jim Knowles looms large. The Buckeyes must take proactive steps to either retain Knowles or prepare for his departure. The future of the program is tied to the defense, and any transition at the coordinator position will need to be handled with care and precision.

No matter what happens with Knowles, Ohio State’s commitment to excellence remains unchanged. With Ryan Day at the helm and a deep roster of talented players, the Buckeyes will continue to be a force in college football for years to come. But as the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, Ohio State’s ability to adapt and respond to the changing landscape of college football will be key to its continued success.