Penn State is making a press release forward of the 2025 season. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Nittany Lions are set to rent Jim Knowles as their subsequent defensive coordinator.
Whereas the deal has not been finalized, the transfer indicators Penn State’s determination to contend for a national title.
Knowles, 59, has spent the previous three seasons as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, main one of many nation’s prime defenses. In 2024, the Buckeyes ranked first in scoring protection (12.9 factors per sport) and complete protection (254.6 yards per sport), together with top-three finishes in each dashing and passing protection.
Knowles would exchange Tom Allen, who left after one season to take the defensive coordinator job at Clemson. Underneath Allen, the Nittany Lions defense ranked eighth nationally in scoring protection (16.5 factors per sport) and seventh in complete protection (294.8 yards per sport).
Whereas Allen’s departure was a setback, Penn State’s pursuit of Knowles — reportedly on a three-year deal value $3.1 million yearly — exhibits an aggressive dedication to raise this system additional.
The contract would make Knowles the highest-paid defensive coordinator in school soccer historical past if finalized. It additionally marks a return residence for the Philadelphia native, who attended St. Joseph’s Prep earlier than launching a training profession with stints at Duke, Oklahoma State and Ohio State.
The timing of the rent aligns with a loaded 2025 roster. Key returners embrace defensive finish Dani Dennis-Sutton, defensive sort out Zane Durant, security Zakee Wheatley, cornerback A.J. Harris and linebacker Tony Rojas.
The transfer has implications past Joyful Valley. Ohio State might want to exchange a coordinator who helped safe a nationwide title in 2024. With simply three starters getting back from that championship protection, the Buckeyes now face a serious transition in a crucial offseason.
Penn State opens the 2025 season on Aug. 30 at Beaver Stadium towards Nevada. If Knowles formally joins the fold, he’ll be tasked with turning a terrific protection right into a championship-caliber one.
