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Jim Knowles Becomes Highest-Paid Defensive Coordinator in $3.1 Million Penn State Deal

Jan 26, 2025, 07:02 PM

Jim Knowles, the current defensive coordinator for Ohio State University, is expected to join Penn State University as their new defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. Knowles is finalizing a three-year deal averaging $3.1 million per year, with potential bonuses that could take the total into eight figures, making him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football. Knowles, a Philadelphia native, led Ohio State to a national championship this season, with the Buckeyes ranking No. 1 nationally in scoring defense. Penn State's head coach James Franklin is making a significant hire, replacing former defensive coordinator Tom Allen with one of the nation's top defensive minds. Knowles had passed on offers from Oklahoma and Notre Dame, and Ohio State had hoped to retain him by offering a new deal to make him the nation's highest-paid defensive coordinator, but he has chosen to move to Penn State. The move is expected to have a domino effect on the market for defensive coordinators. Knowles had previously stated he wouldn't make a decision until after Ohio State's championship parade, which took place today.