Jim Knowles, the former defensive coordinator for Ohio State football, explains his decision to transfer to PSU.
Jim Knowles, the Former Defensive Coordinator for Ohio State Football, Explains His Decision to Transfer to Penn State
Jim Knowles, the former defensive coordinator for Ohio State’s storied football program, made waves when he announced that he would be leaving the Buckeyes to take on a new challenge as the defensive coordinator at Penn State. This move comes as a bit of a shock to many in the college football world, given Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten and the high-profile nature of its coaching staff. For Knowles, however, the decision to make the switch was about more than just coaching— it was about personal growth, new opportunities, and continuing to challenge himself at the highest level of college football.
In an exclusive interview, Knowles opened up about his reasons for transferring to Penn State, his thoughts on the move, and what he hopes to accomplish with the Nittany Lions. His decision comes at a time when college football is undergoing significant changes, especially with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, the introduction of the transfer portal, and new playoff expansion opportunities. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, Knowles’ move to Penn State is emblematic of the dynamic and fluid nature of the sport.
A Legacy Built at Ohio State
Before diving into the specifics of Knowles’ decision, it’s important to reflect on the immense success he had at Ohio State. Jim Knowles joined the Buckeyes in 2021, after a successful stint at Oklahoma State, where he helped the Cowboys develop one of the nation’s most formidable defenses. At Ohio State, Knowles inherited a defense that had struggled at times in recent years but was also full of talent, with potential to be one of the best in the country. His task was to mold the unit into a cohesive, aggressive defense that could hold its own against the explosive offenses in the Big Ten and beyond.
Knowles quickly implemented his signature 4-2-5 defensive scheme, which relied on an attacking front seven, a strong secondary, and a variety of creative blitz packages. This style of defense gave Ohio State a new identity—one that was capable of applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks and disrupting offensive schemes.
In his first year at Ohio State, Knowles’ defense showed vast improvements, particularly in terms of forcing turnovers and minimizing explosive plays. Ohio State finished the 2022 season ranked among the top defenses in the country in several key metrics, including total defense and scoring defense. Knowles also brought a sense of discipline and organization to a defense that had previously struggled with inconsistency.
Despite these successes, Knowles felt that his time at Ohio State had run its course. He was proud of what he had built at the program, but he was looking for a fresh start—one that would present new challenges and opportunities for growth.
The Allure of Penn State
While Knowles’ success at Ohio State was undeniable, there were several factors that drew him to Penn State. For one, the Nittany Lions have consistently been a top contender in the Big Ten, and their football program has a rich history of success. As a defensive coordinator, Knowles knew that Penn State’s defense had the potential to be even better with his expertise.
A New Challenge in the Big Ten
Jim Knowles was well aware of the challenges that awaited him at Penn State. The Nittany Lions have always fielded a strong defense under their former defensive coordinators, but with the Buckeyes and Michigan often stealing the headlines, there was still room for improvement. Knowles was attracted to the opportunity to lead a program that had strong foundational pieces and develop them into an elite defense that could take on Ohio State and Michigan for dominance in the Big Ten.
In his time at Ohio State, Knowles had been exposed to the incredible talent at Penn State, particularly in the trenches. Penn State’s defensive line, linebackers, and secondary are among the most talented in the country, and Knowles believed that with his unique coaching style, he could take those players to the next level.
In his discussions with Penn State head coach James Franklin, Knowles quickly realized that his vision for Penn State football was in line with Franklin’s. The opportunity to work with a respected and successful head coach, paired with the chance to mold a talented roster, was too good to pass up.
Penn State’s Commitment to Defense
One of the driving factors behind Knowles’ decision to move to Penn State was the program’s emphasis on defense. While Ohio State is known for its potent offense, Penn State has consistently prided itself on being a defensive powerhouse. The Nittany Lions have produced a number of NFL-caliber defenders in recent years, and Knowles felt that he could build upon this tradition and make the defense even more formidable.
In Knowles’ mind, Penn State represented a perfect balance between offensive and defensive excellence. With a top-tier offense under Franklin and a defense with elite potential, Knowles saw the Nittany Lions as a program capable of competing for a national championship in the near future. He was excited by the possibility of helping Penn State take that next step.
Strong Recruiting Pipeline
Another key factor in Knowles’ decision to leave Ohio State for Penn State was the opportunity to tap into one of the country’s strongest recruiting pipelines. Penn State has a long history of recruiting top talent from the northeast and beyond, and Knowles recognized that the school’s recruiting base was perfectly suited for his style of defense.
Pennsylvania itself has been a hotbed for football talent, and with strong ties to high schools in the region, Knowles knew that he could continue to recruit the best players from the state and surrounding areas. His experience in recruiting was one of the reasons why he was so successful at Ohio State, and he was eager to continue building those relationships with top-tier athletes at Penn State.
As college football becomes increasingly dependent on recruiting and player development, Knowles saw Penn State as a place where he could recruit elite talent and have the resources to develop them into future stars. Additionally, the Nittany Lions’ ability to secure top talent nationally—both on defense and across the team—was another factor that made the move so appealing.
A Vision for the Future
Looking forward, Jim Knowles has a clear vision for what he hopes to achieve at Penn State. As the defensive coordinator, his primary focus will be on molding the Nittany Lions into one of the most dominant defenses in the country. He believes that the foundation for success is already in place at Penn State, and with his leadership, he can help the program become a perennial contender for both Big Ten championships and the College Football Playoff.
Knowles is known for his ability to develop players, especially those in the front seven. He plans to work closely with the defensive line and linebackers to ensure that they are creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, disrupting offensive timing, and forcing turnovers. In addition, Knowles will focus on enhancing the secondary, making sure that defensive backs are well-coached and can handle any matchup they face on the field.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Knowles’ leadership style is one that emphasizes discipline, attention to detail, and a team-first mentality. He believes in holding players accountable while also fostering a positive and motivating environment. This balance of toughness and encouragement is something that has served him well in his previous coaching stops, and he is eager to bring that mentality to Penn State.
Knowles is also committed to making sure that the Nittany Lions’ defense is adaptable, able to adjust to different offensive schemes and players. As the Big Ten evolves, Knowles understands that the ability to adapt and innovate will be critical to Penn State’s success.
The Ohio State to Penn State Rivalry
The move from Ohio State to Penn State also carries with it the added intrigue of the rivalry between the two programs. Ohio State and Penn State have one of the fiercest rivalries in college football, with both teams regularly competing for Big Ten supremacy. Knowles, having spent years at Ohio State, is no stranger to the pressure that comes with competing against a program of Penn State’s caliber. Now, he will be tasked with leading Penn State’s defense against the very team that he helped build into a national powerhouse.
For Knowles, this rivalry presents an exciting opportunity to prove himself in new ways. Having faced Penn State as an opponent, he understands the stakes and the intensity that comes with these games. Now, as the defensive coordinator for Penn State, he will be at the helm, preparing his players to battle Ohio State on the field.
Reflections on the Move
In his reflections on the decision to leave Ohio State, Knowles expressed a deep sense of gratitude for his time with the Buckeyes. He emphasized the importance of the relationships he built with players, coaches, and staff members. However, he also acknowledged that he was ready for a new challenge. The move to Penn State, he believes, will give him the opportunity to continue his growth as a coach, develop new ideas, and help build a championship-caliber program.
Jim Knowles’ move from Ohio State to Penn State marks a significant turning point in his career, but it also signals a new era of potential for the Nittany Lions. With his proven track record, commitment to development, and passion for defense, Knowles has the chance to make an immediate impact at Penn State. For both him and the Nittany Lions, the future looks incredibly bright.
