Former Ohio State top assistant makes stunning admission in confusing interview about new Penn State role

One of the weirdest moments of the Ohio State Buckeyes' National Championship season was the sudden departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles almost immediately after wrapping up their win against Notre Dame. The leader of the nation's top defense took a lateral position to Penn State of all places, immediately making him a rival for 2025.

It was a bizarre moment in college football, and the Buckeyes eventually recovered by hiring Matt Patricia as his replacement. Theories as to why Knowles left the program so quickly included salary discrepancies, his relationship with defensive line coach Larry Johnson, his girlfriend not wanting to be in Columbus, and more.

Knowles revealed to ESPN that he was miffed Ohio State didn't extend him before the National Championship and then didn't invited him to the parade. 

There were a lot of interesting parts of the interview, but what stood out most is how Knowles was eager to leave the Buckeyes. While he might've been disappointed to not have a long-term deal in place while the program prepared for a regime-defining matchup with the Irish, his actions and own words reveal a divorce was inevitable.

Knowles shockingly admitted that he called Penn State head coach James Franklin about the open defensive coordinator job only two days after the Buckeyes stormed the field and hoisted the title trophy.

"It was 5:06 a.m. Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was calling about Penn State's open DC job," ESPN reported.

"To be honest with you," Franklin said, "I didn't know how serious it was, but it went pretty quickly from that point on."

Knowles revealed that the timing of the contract discussions were the primary issue, but it's quite ridiculous to think the Buckeyes were putting him on the backburner. He ended up being offered slightly less than what Penn State offered.

"Season's over, everything coming to a head again quickly," Knowles said. "Ohio State hasn't come forward with a deal, and it's like, OK, if I'm going to act on this or at least explore it, I have got to make the call."

He also said growing up a Penn State fan from Philadelphia played a part in his decision to relocate.

No one can blame Knowles for doing what's best for his wallet and coaching interests. However, he showed some childish blame game by throwing out several unrelated factors to the situation. 

Ultimately, the seat was hot in Columbus despite the fan base supporting his efforts. Day made it clear he held coaches more accountable after their 32-31 loss to Oregon and another loss in The Game.

Knowles likely didn't want that high stress situation moving forward, and everything else contributed to his instinct to relocate before anything gets sour as the Buckeyes revamp its defensive two-deep.

It just would've been nice for him to pick a main reason that wasn't so childish and petty.