Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator from Ohio State, is expected to join Penn State on a 3-year contract valued at $3.1 million annually. Let us understand how this changes the projection of the Big Ten rivalry.
According to the reports, Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator of Ohio State, is in contention for a spot on the Nittany Lion’s coaching staff as a defensive coordinator. According to Ross Dellenger from Yahoo Sports, the deal is nearly done.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel has also noted that the Knowles family has just received an offer for a three-year contract valued at $3.1 million annually.
This is almost $1 million on raise than he previously earned with Ohio State. He joined the Buckeyes in the 2022 season and was paid 1.9 million. Still, that number increased to 2.2 million in the following seasons.
Bill Rabinowitz from Columbus has reported that Ohio State had proposed Knowles an almost 2.75 million dollar raise, which would have made him the highest-earning college football defensive coach.
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The highest-paid record in defensive college football belongs to Wink Martindale from Michigan. It appears, however, that Knowles is ready for a bigger paycheck with Penn State instead.
This one stings even more to Buckeyes Fans because Knowles is bolting to a Big Ten foe.
The timing doesn’t help either—Ohio State relishes its national championship title over Notre Dame.
Still, Knowles wasn’t reportedly there while discussing business gymnastics with Penn State.
Knowles is not only being chased by Penn State. According to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame were also clamoring for his name.
After all, his stock skyrocketed because of Ohio State’s hearty defense.
Under Knowles’ reign, the Buckeyes led the FBS in points allowed (12.9) and total yards allowed (254.6) last season.
Not even Texas-born Yards King exuded more than 300 total yards during the College Football Playoffs against the Buckeyes, who had shut down top offense players like Tennessee, Oregon, and Notre Dame.
Philadelphia may be an attractive proposition to Knowles.
For the Nittany Lions, he brings the challenge of overcoming the Buckeyes, who ironically have beaten them eight times in a row since James Franklin came on board.
If Knowles succeeds in turning the tide in this Big Ten rivalry, he might earn a spot in the Hall of Fame. He is already famous as a defensive expert.
Because of his guidance, the expectation is that the Nittany Lions will be improving on defense.
Also Read: Ohio State Wins National Championship, Draws Record Viewership in Expanded Playoff