Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator target for Oklahoma football, has joined Penn State.

In the world of college football, coaching changes are common, but some move can send shockwaves through a program, affecting both the immediate and long-term future of a team. One such event occurred when Jim Knowles, a defensive coordinator target for the Oklahoma Sooners, made the decision to leave his previous role at Ohio State and accept the same position at Penn State. Knowles’ move has raised many questions about how this change impacts both Penn State and Oklahoma, and it leaves the Sooners needing to reevaluate their defensive coordinator search as they head into an important period of program development.

Knowles, who had a significant impact on Ohio State’s defense during his tenure, was seen as a key figure in the Sooners’ efforts to improve their defense under head coach Brent Venables. His success at both Oklahoma State and Ohio State made him a prime candidate for the Sooners, who were looking to add experience and a proven defensive mind to their staff. However, his decision to join Penn State instead of taking the opportunity to help rebuild Oklahoma’s defense leaves a major void in Venables’ plans.

In this article, we will examine why Jim Knowles’ departure to Penn State is important for both Oklahoma and Penn State, what it means for the Sooners’ defensive coaching search, and how Oklahoma can move forward in its pursuit of becoming a dominant force in the SEC in the coming years. Additionally, we will look at the broader implications of this coaching change, and how Knowles’ hiring could potentially impact Penn State’s defensive prowess moving forward.

Jim Knowles’ Impact on Ohio State and His Coaching Philosophy

Before diving into the immediate ramifications for Oklahoma, it is important to understand Jim Knowles’ reputation and the type of coach he is. Prior to his stint at Ohio State, Knowles had a well-regarded career at Oklahoma State, where he served as the defensive coordinator for several years. His defensive units at Oklahoma State became known for their aggressive play, particularly their ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks, forcing turnovers, and disrupting opposing offenses. Under Knowles’ leadership, the Cowboys’ defense improved significantly, leading to much of the team’s success in the Big 12.

When Ohio State hired Knowles as their defensive coordinator in 2021, the move was aimed at improving the Buckeyes’ defense, which had been a weak point in the program despite their offensive success. Knowles brought a new system that emphasized aggressive, attacking defense, utilizing multiple defensive fronts, exotic blitzes, and complex coverage schemes to confuse and pressure opposing offenses. His impact was immediate, with the Buckeyes’ defense showing noticeable improvements across several key metrics.

Knowles’ work with Ohio State’s defense helped elevate their performance to a new level, with an emphasis on speed, physicality, and discipline. His ability to adapt to the growing demands of college football, with an increasing emphasis on pass-heavy offenses and high-powered quarterbacks, made him one of the most sought-after defensive coordinators in the country. As a result, his decision to leave Ohio State for Penn State represents a significant development for both programs, but especially for Oklahoma.

Oklahoma’s Defensive Struggles and the Need for Improvement

When Brent Venables was hired as the head coach of Oklahoma in 2022, the Sooners were coming off a period of relative mediocrity on the defensive side of the ball. Although Oklahoma had consistently been a competitive force in the Big 12 and on the national stage, their defense had been one of the major areas of concern. The Sooners’ defense had struggled for years to keep up with the increasingly dynamic offenses in college football, and it was clear that a change in philosophy and personnel was needed.

Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson, brought with him an esteemed reputation for building elite defenses that could shut down some of the best offenses in the country. His return to Oklahoma was a highly anticipated move, as he had previously coached at the school under Bob Stoops, helping to build the Sooners into a perennial national contender. Venables understood the importance of defense in achieving long-term success, and he immediately set to work rebuilding Oklahoma’s defensive program to match its offensive prowess.

One of the key components of Venables’ plan for success was hiring a top-tier defensive coordinator to help run the defense. Jim Knowles was seen as a prime candidate for that role. With his experience and track record at Oklahoma State and Ohio State, Knowles seemed like the ideal coach to help elevate the Sooners’ defense to the next level. His ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, create turnovers, and build a defense that could dominate the trenches was exactly what Venables needed to complement his vision for the program.

However, with Knowles now joining Penn State, Oklahoma has to pivot and explore other options for bolstering its defense.

The Fallout from Knowles’ Move to Penn State

Jim Knowles’ decision to join Penn State instead of Oklahoma is a bit of a surprise. While it is not uncommon for top-tier coaches to switch programs for a variety of reasons, Knowles’ decision raises several important questions.

First, it indicates that Penn State has made a serious commitment to strengthening their defense. James Franklin, the head coach of Penn State, has long been known for his strong defensive units, but the hiring of Knowles shows the program’s desire to take their defensive play to a new level. Penn State has been successful in the Big Ten, but they’ve faced stiff competition from other programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State. With Knowles now in charge of the defense, Penn State will be better equipped to deal with high-powered offenses in the Big Ten, particularly those teams that rely heavily on explosive passing attacks. Knowles’ aggressive style of defense, which will undoubtedly include a variety of blitzes and defensive schemes, will give Penn State a chance to compete at an even higher level.

For Oklahoma, Knowles’ move to Penn State presents a unique challenge. The Sooners had hoped to build a formidable defense under Brent Venables, but the loss of a highly coveted defensive coordinator like Knowles means that Venables will have to recalibrate his plans for the defensive side of the ball. While Venables is a defensive mastermind in his own right, finding a coordinator who can match Knowles’ success will be crucial to Oklahoma’s long-term success, especially with the Sooners preparing for their move to the SEC.

This shift in coaching personnel also puts additional pressure on Oklahoma to find a suitable replacement quickly, as the Sooners are aiming to remain competitive in both the Big 12 and, eventually, the SEC. As a result, Venables will need to consider a wide range of candidates who have the ability to implement a similar defensive philosophy, one that emphasizes creating pressure, forcing turnovers, and being able to adapt to the more explosive offenses in college football.

The Search for Oklahoma’s Next Defensive Coordinator

With Jim Knowles now off the table, Oklahoma’s coaching staff will have to focus on finding a new defensive coordinator who can bring a similar level of success to the program. The Sooners need a coach who understands the changing landscape of college football and has the ability to stop high-powered offenses, which are increasingly common in both the Big 12 and SEC.

Several names could emerge as potential candidates, many of whom have backgrounds in building elite defenses and working under successful head coaches. One possible option could be Mike Elko, the current defensive coordinator at Texas A&M, who has worked with high-level defenses throughout his career and has seen significant success at multiple stops, including at Notre Dame and Duke. Elko’s ability to develop talent and coach a disciplined, attacking defense would make him a strong candidate to replace Knowles.

Another potential target could be Glenn Schumann, the co-defensive coordinator at Georgia, known for his success in building one of the most dominant defenses in the country over the past several years. Schumann has been a key part of Georgia’s rise to the top of the college football world, and his experience with elite defensive units could be exactly what Oklahoma needs as they transition to the SEC.

Oklahoma could also explore the possibility of promoting from within their own ranks. Brent Venables has a deep coaching tree, and there may be a young up-and-coming coach on staff who could step into the role and continue to build on the program’s defensive culture. However, finding a coach with the experience and expertise of someone like Knowles will be a significant challenge.

The Road Ahead for Oklahoma and Penn State

For Penn State, the addition of Jim Knowles represents a major step forward in their efforts to become a national contender, particularly in the highly competitive Big Ten. With his experience and ability to develop dominant defenses, Knowles is well-positioned to help the Nittany Lions take their program to the next level.

For Oklahoma, the loss of Knowles is a setback in their efforts to rebuild a championship-caliber defense. However, as Brent Venables has proven throughout his career, he has the ability to adapt and find the right coaches to help implement his vision for the program. The Sooners will continue to pursue their next defensive coordinator with the same intensity and determination that has been a hallmark of the program throughout its history.

While Knowles’ departure to Penn State creates uncertainty for Oklahoma’s immediate future, it also provides an opportunity for the Sooners to hire a defensive coordinator who can help them succeed in the SEC and beyond. The next few months will be critical for Oklahoma as they continue to build a program that can compete with the best in college football.