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Ryan Day and Ohio State lose DC Jim Knowles to a rival Big Ten team after National Championship

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jan 26, 2025 4:50 PM ET

Following the National Championship win for Ohio State, there has not been much time for the Buckeyes to celebrate.

Ohio State has been having to figure out player decisions as well as coaching decisions for next year’s team. Jim Knowles and Chip Kelly have both been rumored to be possibly leaving. Now, it looks as if one has come to reality.

According to a report, Knowles is heading to Penn State to be the next defensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions. Knowles takes over for Tom Allen, who took a job at Clemson. It was previously reported that Ohio State had an offer on the table to make Knowles the highest-paid DC.

Ohio State DC Jim Knowles is expected to become the new defensive coordinator at Penn State, sources tell @YahooSports. The two sides are in the process of finalizing an agreement. Big hire for James Franklin.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 26, 2025

Knowles spent three seasons in Columbus and each season the Buckeyes’ defense took another step forward. Ohio State allowed just 277 yards per game and 12.9 points per game in 2024. The defense responded in a great way after the October loss to Oregon and never looked back.

Down the stretch run of the season, the defensive line was unlocked and Caleb Downs was unlocked in the secondary. When the Buckeyes got it all together, they had the best defense in the country.

Knowles, 59, is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is now heading to be the coach of a team that Ohio State has had some great battles with lately. Penn State and Ohio State recruit against one another often as well, however, Knowles was not a recruiter with the Buckeyes.

It is unclear if Ohio State was willing to match the dollar amount and that Penn State took a big swing after losing Allen to Clemson. Ohio State is now faced with finding a defensive coordinator. The Buckeyes could look to promote Tim Walton or Matt Guerreri. Another option is to make a hire from the outside. Either way, the Buckeyes now have a new task to handle.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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