State College – Jim Knowles was on the desire list of James Franklin as a potential defensive coordinator of Penn State for at least 2021.
But it was only after the victory of Ohio State against Notre Dame in the match for the national title last month, Franklin thought that the chances of Nittany Lions to hire knowledge far from Buckeyes was legitimate.
“It was a process of turn and turning,” said Franklin on Tuesday in his first public comments on the addition of Knowles. “I think I received a call at 5:40 am two days after the national championship match. It was when I thought it could be real, that we could have a chance. »»
Less than a week later, Penn State hired the 59 -year -old Knowles and signed it for a three -year contract worth more than $ 9 million, which made him deputy coach The best paid in university football.
Franklin thanked the president of Penn State Neeli Bendapudi and the director of athletics Pat Kraft for their support for Landing Knowles, who also planned to leave Ohio State for Notre Dame and Oklahoma.
“When you are able to go out and compete with whom we have contributed to undoubtedly obtain the best defensive coordinator of university football, I appreciate very, very grateful,” said Franklin. “I know there is a ton of excitement from our players. There is a ton of excitement from fans. There is a ton of excitement from our former students and our letters.
“In terms of commitment, it was phenomenal. That’s all you could ask. Over the past two years, the level of engagement has met expectations. There are very few places in the country that can really say that. »»
Knowles replaced Tom Allen, who left Penn State after a season to become a defensive coordinator in Clemson and be closer to two girls and several grandchildren.
Shortly after Allen told Franklin that he was leaving, the Lions approached the defensive coordinator of the USC, by Anton Lynn, a former defensive back of Penn State. But he decided to stay in Los Angeles when the Trojan horses gave him a new contract and an increase.
“There were guys you thought you might get and then you couldn’t,” said Franklin. “We examined the guys from the NFL and the college guys and continued to reduce the list. I had made no offer, then it became a possibility. »»
At Ohio State, Knowles guided a defense that finished first in the country for total defense and marking defense. Originally from Philadelphia, he established a reputation for a brilliant defensive spirit in Duke then at Oklahoma State before spending the last three seasons with the Buckeyes.
Franklin spoke in Knowles in December 2021 shortly after the defensive coordinator Brent Pry, one of his longtime assistants, left Penn State to become a head coach of Virginia Tech. Knowles ended up going to Ohio State and the Lions ended up hiring Manny Diaz, who knew two very successful seasons before becoming a Duke head coach.
“We talked about a few years when the position was opened, which helped,” said Franklin. “We already had a familiarity with each other.”
Franklin would not say what he thought that the chances were to let people know when Allen resigned or if he appeared on a short list of candidates.
“If we lose someone in any position, it’s a careful process to fill it,” said Franklin. “There are not as many qualified people as people may think. We want to make sure we get the right person.
“I have been in places where you have a list of dreams and they are not really realistic. Your list of dreams in Penn State is realistic, especially now with the support we have. »»
