Jim Knowles, an Ohio State DC, was anticipated to be hired by Penn State for the same position: The Athletic is the source.

In the world of college football, coaching changes often create ripples across entire programs, with immediate and far-reaching effects. The recent news surrounding Jim Knowles, Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, and his anticipated move to Penn State for the same role has sent waves throughout the college football landscape. According to a report by The Athletic, Knowles, who was instrumental in reshaping Ohio State’s defense in recent years, is set to leave Columbus for a new challenge in Happy Valley. While the move marks the end of an era at Ohio State, it also ushers in a new chapter for Penn State, as they seek to build on their already impressive defensive prowess.

This article will explore Knowles’ journey, his impact on Ohio State, the implications of his departure, and what the move to Penn State means for both programs.

The Rise of Jim Knowles: From Under-the-Radar to Elite Defensive Mind

Jim Knowles’ journey to becoming one of the most respected defensive coordinators in college football has been far from conventional. Before taking the reins at Ohio State, Knowles spent much of his career at various programs, refining his craft and developing a reputation for coaching up tough, aggressive, and innovative defenses.

Knowles’ coaching career began in the late 1980s, working with defensive backs at schools such as Cornell and Duke. Over time, he built a reputation as a smart and capable defensive coach, and by 2017, he was appointed the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State. It was in Stillwater that Knowles truly made his mark on the national stage.

Under Knowles’ leadership, Oklahoma State’s defense became one of the most feared units in the Big 12. His ability to adapt to different styles of offense, his aggressive schemes, and his emphasis on discipline quickly made him one of the top defensive minds in the country. Oklahoma State’s defense under Knowles was known for its ability to stifle high-powered offenses and produce turnovers at an alarming rate, often making game-changing plays in the clutch.

By the time Ohio State came calling in 2021, Knowles had established himself as a proven commodity in the world of college football. Ohio State, looking to shore up their defensive unit after a few seasons of underperformance relative to their offensive dominance, saw Knowles as the perfect fit to bring the needed transformation. His experience, aggressive defensive style, and ability to coach up players to maximize their potential made him the ideal candidate to turn Ohio State’s defense into a top-tier unit.

Knowles at Ohio State: A Reshaped Defense and an Identity Shift

When Jim Knowles was hired as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator in 2021, it was clear that changes were coming. The Buckeyes, who had been known for their high-powered offenses and stellar recruiting, had underachieved defensively in recent seasons. Ohio State’s defensive struggles were highlighted in their 2021 College Football Playoff loss to Alabama, where the defense appeared outmatched, allowing explosive plays and struggling to keep up with the Crimson Tide’s offense. The Buckeyes knew they needed to address their defensive woes if they were to contend for national championships in the future.

Under Knowles, the change was immediate. He introduced a more aggressive, attacking defense that focused on creating pressure up front, maximizing turnovers, and forcing opponents into uncomfortable situations. His scheme emphasized versatility, requiring his players to be more fluid and adaptable. The defensive line was tasked with applying constant pressure on the quarterback, and the secondary was tasked with staying tight on receivers, with safeties playing closer to the line of scrimmage to support the run defense. The linebacker corps, meanwhile, became more mobile and disruptive, designed to make plays in both coverage and against the run.

One of Knowles’ trademarks is his use of multiple defensive fronts. The Buckeyes, under Knowles, frequently deployed a hybrid defense, where defensive linemen and linebackers could shift between different positions, keeping opposing offenses on their toes. This flexibility was designed to exploit the weaknesses of different offensive schemes, whether it was pressuring the quarterback or stuffing the run game.

The immediate effects of Knowles’ defense were evident. In 2021, Ohio State’s defense showed significant improvement, particularly in terms of limiting explosive plays and generating turnovers. The Buckeyes ranked among the top teams in the nation in total defense and pass rush efficiency, showing marked improvement from previous seasons. While the defense wasn’t flawless, and the unit had growing pains along the way, there was no denying that Ohio State was moving in the right direction.

Knowles’ work on Ohio State’s defense continued to pay dividends in 2022 and 2023. Under his guidance, players like Jahmyr Johnson, Zach Harrison, and Tommy Eichenberg thrived, with the defensive line improving its ability to disrupt the opposing quarterback and the secondary becoming more opportunistic in creating interceptions and turnovers. Ohio State’s defense became a key component of the team’s success, even as the offense continued to shine under C.J. Stroud and others.

However, despite the success, there were challenges. The defense continued to struggle against high-powered offenses, and in certain games—particularly the dramatic losses to Michigan in 2022 and 2023—Ohio State’s defensive unit was exposed. While Knowles improved the defense considerably, the coaching staff recognized that the defense still needed refinement in some areas to be truly elite.

The News: Jim Knowles to Penn State

In the winter of 2024, news broke that Jim Knowles was expected to leave Ohio State and take the defensive coordinator position at Penn State. According to reports from The Athletic, the move came as a surprise to many, given Knowles’ growing reputation and the fact that Ohio State was expected to be a championship contender in the coming seasons. However, the allure of taking over at a program like Penn State, with its storied tradition and passionate fanbase, was enough to convince Knowles that it was the right time for a change.

For Ohio State, Knowles’ departure marked the end of a chapter. The Buckeyes had clearly benefited from his leadership, and his defense had helped raise Ohio State’s profile as a balanced team capable of competing with the best in the nation. However, with Knowles leaving, Ohio State would now need to find a new defensive coordinator to continue building upon the foundation he helped establish.

The Impact on Ohio State

Knowles’ departure from Ohio State will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the program. As one of the premier defensive coordinators in college football, his expertise and leadership were a major asset for the Buckeyes. His schemes were instrumental in reshaping the defense and turning Ohio State into a more complete team. Now, Ohio State must figure out how to replace Knowles, as the team continues its pursuit of another national championship.

The search for Knowles’ successor will be one of the biggest storylines in Ohio State football this offseason. The Buckeyes will likely look to hire a defensive coordinator with a similar philosophy—someone who can continue the progress Knowles started, especially in terms of creating a more aggressive and opportunistic defense. Ohio State has the resources and talent to attract one of the top defensive minds in the country, but the question will be whether they can maintain the level of success they’ve enjoyed under Knowles.

One possible candidate for the job is Perry Eliano, Ohio State’s current co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Eliano has worked alongside Knowles and has been instrumental in the development of the Buckeyes’ secondary, which has been a major strength of the defense. He is well-regarded as a rising star in the coaching world, and his familiarity with Ohio State’s system could make him a natural fit to take over as defensive coordinator.

The Impact on Penn State

On the other side of the equation, Penn State fans are excited about the potential impact of Jim Knowles’ arrival. The Nittany Lions have consistently fielded strong defenses under defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, but the opportunity to bring in a proven defensive mind like Knowles is a major coup for the program. Penn State has long been known for its blue-collar defense, and Knowles’ ability to implement aggressive, multiple fronts will likely elevate an already talented defensive unit to new heights.

In recent years, Penn State has consistently been one of the top teams in the Big Ten, competing for conference championships and a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, despite having a strong defense, they have often found themselves lacking the final push needed to consistently compete with powerhouse programs like Ohio State and Michigan. By hiring Knowles, Penn State hopes to boost its ability to compete at the highest level, particularly in games against explosive offenses. Knowles’ presence could have a ripple effect on recruiting, as he has a proven track record of developing top defensive talent and coaching players into NFL-caliber prospects.

What’s Next for Jim Knowles?

As Jim Knowles prepares to transition to Penn State, his legacy at Ohio State will not soon be forgotten. His ability to take Ohio State’s defense to the next level, as well as his innovative coaching style, will forever be a part of the program’s history. His move to Penn State will be watched closely, as he faces the challenge of implementing his defensive schemes in a new environment and competing in the tough Big Ten landscape.

Knowles will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the key figures in Ohio State’s recent success. The foundation he helped lay will continue to influence the Buckeyes for years to come, but his departure signals a new chapter in both his career and in the history of Ohio State football.

A New Era for Penn State, Ohio State, and Jim Knowles

Jim Knowles’ transition from Ohio State to Penn State is a pivotal moment in the college football world. While it marks the end of an era for Ohio State, it signals the beginning of an exciting new opportunity for both Knowles and Penn State. For Ohio State, Knowles’ departure presents a challenge, but one that is surmountable given the program’s resources and talent. For Penn State, the hiring of Knowles is an exciting development that could elevate their defense to the next level, making them an even more formidable contender in the Big Ten and on the national stage.

As Jim Knowles embarks on this new chapter of his career, both Ohio State and Penn State are poised for an exciting future. The ripples from this coaching change will continue to shape the Big Ten and college football as a whole, and it will be fascinating to see how both programs respond to this transition.