Penn State reportedly finalizing deal for big-time DC replacement

Penn State is making a statement ahead of the 2025 season. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Nittany Lions are set to hire Jim Knowles as their next defensive coordinator. 

While the deal has not been finalized, the move signals Penn State’s determination to contend for a national title.

Knowles, 59, has spent the past three seasons as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, leading one of the nation’s top defenses. In 2024, the Buckeyes ranked first in scoring defense (12.9 points per game) and total defense (254.6 yards per game), along with top-three finishes in both rushing and passing defense.

Knowles would replace Tom Allen, who left after one season to take the defensive coordinator job at Clemson. Under Allen, the Nittany Lions defense ranked eighth nationally in scoring defense (16.5 points per game) and seventh in total defense (294.8 yards per game). 

While Allen’s departure was a setback, Penn State’s pursuit of Knowles — reportedly on a three-year deal worth $3.1 million annually — shows an aggressive commitment to elevate the program further.

The contract would make Knowles the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football history if finalized. It also marks a return home for the Philadelphia native, who attended St. Joseph’s Prep before launching a coaching career with stints at Duke, Oklahoma State and Ohio State.

The timing of the hire aligns with a loaded 2025 roster. Key returners include defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, defensive tackle Zane Durant, safety Zakee Wheatley, cornerback A.J. Harris and linebacker Tony Rojas.

The move has implications beyond Happy Valley. Ohio State will need to replace a coordinator who helped secure a national title in 2024. With just three starters returning from that championship defense, the Buckeyes now face a major transition in a critical offseason.

Penn State opens the 2025 season on Aug. 30 at Beaver Stadium against Nevada. If Knowles officially joins the fold, he’ll be tasked with turning a great defense into a championship-caliber one.