Penn State Makes Push to Poach Big Ten DC

This would be a huge get for Penn State.

Not only is Knowles the defensive coordinator of the reigning national champions, he also ran the No. 1 total defense in the country. Coach James Franklin and company are used to hiring big names for coordinator positions— Allen and his predecessor, Manny Diaz, being two of them. But getting one from a conference rival, let alone Ohio State, would be unprecedented.

FRANKLIN ON KNOWLES

Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: James Franklin

Franklin has expressed admiration for Knowles in the past.

Here’s what Franklin had to say about him during a past press conference.

“Defensively Jim Knowles, who is also a PA guy, is doing a really good job with their defense, and has now for the last couple years. Multiple, multiple scheme defense,” said Franklin. “Obviously, the last two years they’ve played really good defense. Really over the last number of years they’ve played really good defense. But I think since Coach Knowles has been there, he’s taken them to a whole ‘nother level.”

ANOTHER SUITOR

OXFORD, MS – OCTOBER 26: Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during a college football game against the Mississippi Rebels on October 26, 2024 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)

Penn State isn’t the only suitor for Knowles. Oklahoma has been linked to him, so much so that a national outlet accidentally posted a video reacting to Knowles being hired by OU, which hasn’t happened as of this writing. Knowles has coached in the state before, having been Oklahoma State’s defensive coordinator from 2018-21 before getting the Ohio State job.

SEC money would also be hard to turn down.

Penn State opens its 2025 season against Nevada Aug. 30 at Beaver Stadium.