Jim Knowles could be replaced by one of eight prospective defensive coordinators for Ohio State football.

Ohio State University’s football program has long been a pillar of college football excellence, producing elite athletes and coaching staff that have become synonymous with success. However, as with any program of this stature, the constant pressure to improve and stay ahead of rivals means that even the best coaches can face scrutiny, particularly when a team’s performance doesn’t meet lofty expectations. This scrutiny has recently been cast on Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator, who has faced criticism for his defense’s performance despite promising results in his first season at Ohio State.

With the 2024 season rapidly approaching, speculation is already rife about whether Jim Knowles will continue to hold his position as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator or if the Buckeyes will seek a new direction. The potential for change has opened the door to discussion about the various candidates who could step into this high-profile role, each bringing their own experience, approach, and vision to Ohio State’s storied defense.

This article will take a closer look at Jim Knowles’ tenure at Ohio State, explore the reasons why the Buckeyes may look to replace him, and profile eight prospective candidates who could take over as defensive coordinator for the program.

Jim Knowles’ Tenure at Ohio State: The Highs and Lows

When Jim Knowles was hired as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator ahead of the 2022 season, the Buckeyes were looking to address a defense that had shown vulnerability in recent seasons, particularly in big games. The defense had been criticized for its inability to stop top-tier offenses, especially in crucial moments, and Ohio State’s coaching staff believed that Knowles, who had a successful tenure as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, could bring the necessary improvements to the unit.

In his first year at Ohio State, Knowles made noticeable improvements to the defense, including a much more aggressive scheme that saw the Buckeyes produce more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and take more risks in terms of blitzing and coverage schemes. The results, however, were mixed. While the Buckeyes’ defense was improved statistically from the previous year, it still allowed big plays in critical moments, particularly in their loss to Michigan and in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Georgia.

Despite the defensive improvements, Knowles’ unit still found itself criticized for inconsistency and its inability to hold up against elite offenses. The Buckeyes’ defense appeared to struggle when facing teams that could pass the ball effectively or run a high-tempo offense, both of which are hallmarks of many of the top teams in college football. As a result, questions have arisen about whether Knowles is the right man to lead the Ohio State defense into 2024 and beyond.

Why Ohio State Might Look to Replace Jim Knowles

Several factors contribute to the potential replacement of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator. While Knowles has certainly helped Ohio State improve in some areas, his defense has still shown significant flaws, especially in high-stakes games. Here are a few reasons why the Buckeyes might look to make a change:

Inconsistent Defensive Performance

As mentioned earlier, Ohio State’s defense has been plagued by inconsistency under Knowles. Despite flashes of brilliance, the defense has been prone to giving up explosive plays, especially in big games. In the 2022 season, the Buckeyes allowed 45 points against Michigan and 42 points to Georgia, both of which were pivotal losses in Ohio State’s pursuit of a national title.

These performances raised serious questions about Knowles’ ability to adapt his defense to high-pressure situations and handle top-tier competition. In a program like Ohio State, which expects national championship contention year in and year out, such performances can lead to calls for change.

Lack of Development for Young Talent

Another area of concern is the development of Ohio State’s younger defensive players. Many top recruits who joined the Buckeyes have failed to reach their potential or have taken longer to develop than expected. While coaching turnover and recruiting are always factors in player development, the defensive scheme itself may be a hindrance to some of the young talent’s growth. Ohio State’s coaching staff has invested a great deal of resources in building a pipeline of defensive talent, and failure to develop that talent properly could lead to changes in the coaching staff.

The Pressure of Rivalry Games

Ohio State’s defense has particularly struggled against rivals like Michigan and Penn State in recent seasons. These high-stakes games are often the determining factor for Ohio State’s season, and the defense has been unable to stop the run or limit big plays when it mattered most. The inability to succeed in these rivalry games could result in mounting pressure on Knowles, leading to discussions about potential replacements.

Eight Prospective Defensive Coordinator Candidates for Ohio State

If Ohio State does decide to make a change at defensive coordinator, there is no shortage of talented coaches who could be considered for the position. These candidates bring a variety of experiences, schemes, and coaching philosophies that could work within the Buckeyes’ program. Let’s take a look at eight potential defensive coordinator candidates who could be a fit for Ohio State:

1. Chris Ash (Former Ohio State Defensive Coordinator)

Chris Ash is no stranger to Ohio State football. He served as the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator under Urban Meyer from 2014 to 2015, helping lead a defense that was pivotal in the team’s 2014 national championship run. After leaving Ohio State, Ash went on to serve as the head coach at Rutgers before moving into a consulting role in college football.

Ash’s familiarity with the program and his defensive acumen could make him an ideal candidate to return to Ohio State. His time at Ohio State was marked by a hard-hitting, aggressive defense, and his return would likely be met with enthusiasm from Buckeye fans.

2. Jim Leonhard (Former Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator)

Jim Leonhard is a highly respected defensive mind who has coached at Wisconsin and has built a reputation for developing elite defenses. He was a defensive back in the NFL before moving into coaching, and his Wisconsin defenses were known for their disciplined, physical style. Leonhard’s expertise in coaching defensive backs would be a valuable asset for a program like Ohio State, which consistently recruits top-tier secondary talent.

Leonhard has also been rumored to be on the radar of several big programs, and his experience in the Big Ten makes him a natural fit for Ohio State. His ability to create turnovers and develop star players would be a strong asset to the Buckeyes’ defense.

3. Lance Leipold (Kansas Head Coach)

Lance Leipold has made a name for himself at Kansas, leading the Jayhawks to unprecedented success in recent years. While his background is primarily in coaching offense, Leipold has a deep understanding of the defensive side of the ball and has worked with some top defensive minds in his career. He could bring a fresh perspective to Ohio State’s defense, focusing on creating more balance and generating more pressure from the defensive front.

Leipold’s success in building Kansas into a competitive program could give him the confidence to take on the responsibility of leading Ohio State’s defense.

4. Manny Diaz (Miami Defensive Coordinator)

Manny Diaz, who previously served as the head coach at Miami before taking on the defensive coordinator role again with the Hurricanes, is known for his aggressive and dynamic defensive schemes. Diaz is one of the more innovative defensive minds in college football, regularly bringing pressure with exotic blitzes and creating confusion for opposing offenses.

Diaz’s defensive units have often been ranked among the best in the country, and his experience in a power-conference environment like the ACC could translate well to Ohio State’s demands. His reputation as a strong recruiter would also serve him well in a program like Ohio State.

5. Brent Venables (Oklahoma Head Coach)

Brent Venables is one of the most highly regarded defensive minds in college football, known for his aggressive schemes and his ability to develop elite talent on the defensive side of the ball. Although he is currently the head coach at Oklahoma, his name is often brought up in connection with high-profile defensive coordinator positions.

Venables’ time at Clemson, where he helped lead the Tigers to multiple national championships, shows that he has what it takes to run a successful defense at a major program like Ohio State. If he were ever to leave Oklahoma, he would be at the top of many programs’ wish lists.

6. Derek Mason (Auburn Defensive Coordinator)

Derek Mason is an experienced defensive coordinator who has worked in both the SEC and ACC, giving him a wealth of experience facing elite offenses. Mason has coached some outstanding defenses throughout his career, with a strong focus on fundamentals and creating turnovers.

Mason’s success at Vanderbilt, where he helped build a competitive program despite limited resources, would give him the necessary skills to succeed at Ohio State. He has been able to recruit and develop players at the highest level, and his physical, disciplined defense could work well in Columbus.

7. Mike Elko (Texas A&M Defensive Coordinator)

Mike Elko is widely regarded as one of the top defensive coordinators in college football. He has worked at several prestigious programs, including Notre Dame and Texas A&M, and has consistently turned out top-10 defenses wherever he’s been. Elko’s defenses are known for their ability to generate pressure and shut down opposing offenses, particularly in high-profile games.

His success at Texas A&M, particularly in SEC play, would make him a great fit for Ohio State, and his ability to develop players and recruit top-tier talent would be a huge asset to the Buckeyes.

8. Kerry Coombs (Former Ohio State Defensive Coordinator)

Kerry Coombs, who served as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator in 2020 and coached the team’s secondary from 2012 to 2017, could make a return to the program. Coombs is known for his passion and ability to connect with players, particularly in the defensive backfield.

After leaving Ohio State for a stint in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, Coombs is back in the college coaching ranks and could be a potential candidate for a return to Columbus. His familiarity with the program and his emphasis on creating turnovers could be valuable in Ohio State’s defense moving forward.