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Top defensive coordinator candidate finally speaks up about rumors regarding Oklahoma Sooners connection

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Justin Churchill | Last updated Jan 18, 2025 8:25 PM ET

The Oklahoma Sooners lost their defensive coordinator to West Virginia, where Zac Alley has the chance to call the defense and run his own show, whereas in Norman, it was Brent Venables' defense no matter who the defensive coordinator is.

So for the last few weeks, the Sooners have been without a defensive coordinator and an assistant general manager, yet have landed some big-time defensive recruits. However, even with the success they have had the last few weeks, they still need a DC -- even with one of the best defensive minds in the last 20 years in Venables, they still need a DC.

Luckily, the Sooners have been involved in some rumors. They are rumored to land one of the best defensive coordinators out there. There's only one problem, though, he is still coaching football games. Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator for Ohio State, who plays in the National Championship in a few days, is the guy rumored to take the Sooners job.

I'm not sure what would make him want to leave Ohio State for Oklahoma, but those are the rumors, and there appears to be some real truth to that. Before his big game against Notre Dame, he opened up on the topic. Well, kind of.

I asked Ohio State DC Jim Knowles about Oklahoma rumors.

“Beat Notre Dame, that's all I'm focused on. These things happen, I guess, when you have success, players are making plays. My job is to put them in the best position. These things come up when you do well.”
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) January 18, 2025

“Beat Notre Dame, that's all I'm focused on. These things happen, I guess, when you have success, players are making plays. My job is to put them in the best position. These things come up when you do well,” Knowles told reporters.

The Sooners may not end up going with him, or they may. As of right now, we don't really know. But what we do know is that there is a chance Venables runs his defense regardless of who the DC is. With Knowles, though, he could have less on his plate and let Knowles run things.

The defense is likely going to be elite regardless of what happens. But, you need a great staff for other areas other than the on-field product, and that's what the Sooners are focused on.

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

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