For Jim Knowles, the decision to leave Ohio State and take the same defensive coordinator job at Penn State came down to returning to his home state.
Knowles grew up in Philadelphia, though he said during his introductory press conference that Penn State’s campus in rural State College felt like a world away. Still, he said he has always felt a strong connection to the program.
When Penn State pursued him after Ohio State completed its run to the national championship, that lure – and no doubt the $3.1 million annual salary – was too strong to turn down.
“I’m grateful for my time at Ohio State and the opportunity that coach (Ryan) Day gave me,” Knowles said. “We had the No. 1 defense in the country. We won a national championship. (I) had great relationships with the players and coach Day and the administration. (I) felt supported.”
But Knowles is 59 and cherishes the opportunity to help Penn State do what Ohio State did. Like the Buckeyes a year ago, the nucleus of the Nittany Lions’ team decided to forgo entering the draft in hopes of winning a national title. Penn State lost to Notre Dame in the CFP semifinals this past season.
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“You reach a point in your career where you’re given opportunities based on past performance,” Knowles said. “Like I’ve said, Penn State, for me growing up in the inner city was the epitome of college football when I was a kid.
“I was never talented enough as a player to make it to Penn State as a player. But given the opportunity to do it now as a coach, it’s really where I want to be to continue my career and bring any expertise that I can to the organization.”
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When Knowles arrived at Ohio State in 2022, his assignment was to fix a defense that ranked 53rd nationally the prior season. He did that. The Buckeyes steadily improved and the senior-loaded unit dominated almost every opponent.
Knowles said Penn State’s history of stout defenses under James Franklin was an attraction.
“He has built a culture here that has really emphasized defense,” Knowles said. “I think he’s been an offensive guy, so maybe some people look at him like that. But when you look back at his history… they’ve had really good defenses here. They’ve been through some different coordinators, but they have always had good defense.”
Knowles is one of three assistants who have left Ohio State since winning the national title. TThe Arizona Cardinals hired offensive line coach Justin Frye, and the Las Vegas Raiders hired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
Penn State plays Ohio State in Columbus on Nov. 1.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Why former Ohio State football DC Jim Knowles left for Penn State
