Ohio State appears to be on the verge of losing its defensive coordinator to a Big Ten rival.
According to several reports, Jim Knowles is finalizing a three-year contract to become coordinator at Penn State with an average annual salary of $3.1 million. Knowles is originally from Philadelphia.
Ohio State had offered Knowles a contract extension that would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football. Michigan’s Wink Martindale will earn $2.75 million in 2025.
Knowles was not present during Ohio State’s celebration of its national championship at Ohio Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Asked afterward by The Dispatch if he expected Knowles to return, OSU coach Ryan Day said, “Yes, I would expect him to return.”
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Knowles transformed Ohio State’s defense in his three seasons. He took over a unit that had suffered greatly in 2021. Last year, the Buckeyes led the nation in the most important statistical categories, including scoring defense and yards allowed.
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Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was also not present Sunday. Day said he was on the road recruiting.
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This article was originally published on The Columbus Dispatch: Jim Knowles leaves Ohio State to become defensive coordinator at Penn State
