Caleb Downs I discovered that Jim Knowles was Leave Ohio State To become the defensive coordinator of Penn State last weekend when he received an SMS.
“He already told me,” said Downs. “He hit me on this subject. I respect him to be honest with us.
During an autograph signature organized by one of the BuckeyesHe did not express any feeling of grudge on Start of Knowleswhich became official earlier on Monday.
“I sent him an SMS, just telling him that I appreciate him,” said Downs. “I wish him the best.”
Downs was an integral part of the defensive success guided by knowledge that resulted in a win Notre Dame in the final of the university football playoffs last weekSubjecting the first national Ohio State championship in a decade.
Inasmuch as All-American unanimous In his first season after Transfer of AlabamaHe finished with 82 plated, a security that showed his range moving to the melee line in racing support and down the pass coverage.
THE Buckeyes led the football subdivision Bowl in score defense (12.9 points per game) and total defense (254.6 yards per game) in 2024.
“It was sad to hear,” said Downs, “and it was a very good DC. He taught us a lot. He taught me a lot about football and how to call the games. I learned a lot From him.
Since Downs registered in Alabama in the first year in 2023, he did not experience a coach movement shortage, in particular with the retirement of the legendary coach Nick Saban last January.
But he also saw defensive coordinators also change. Pete Golding left the Crimson tide To direct the defense of the Mississippi only a week after arriving in Tuscaloosa. Saban then hired Kevin Steele far from Miami.
The replacement of Knowles will be the fourth defensive coordinator of Downs in three years at university.
“I learned different things from each of them,” said Downs. “It was a blessing.”
Downs has not expressed any preference for the next defensive coordinator of Ohio State, granted to the coach of Ryan Day. Security coach Matt Guerrieni has experience as a co-defensive coordinator at Indiana in 2023 and Duke in 2018-21.
“Whoever the day of the coach hires, that’s what he hires,” said Downs. “I can’t really determine this or think. This is not my work. I’m sure they’re going to hire the right person and from there.
When Day interviewed candidates for a running back coach last spring, a search that led to the hiring of Carlos Locklyn to replace Tony Alford, he included his back in the process, although a coordinator is more hiring heavy.
“If they ask me for my contribution,” said Downs, “I will give my contribution.
For the moment, he and his teammates in defense will pass without Knowles.
“This is what it is at the end of the day,” said Downs. “This is the decision he made.”
Joey Kaufman covers the Ohio State Football for the Columbus Dispatch. Follow it on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @joeyrkaufman or send him an email to [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on the Dispatch of Columbus: Caleb Downs reacts to Jim Knowles leaving Ohio State for Penn State
