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Penn State to Hire Ohio State's Jim Knowles as Highest-Paid Coordinator on Three-Year, $3.1 Million Deal

Jan 26, 2025, 07:08 PM

Jim Knowles, who led Ohio State University's defense to rank No. 1 nationally in scoring defense during their 2024 national championship season, is expected to become the new defensive coordinator at Penn State University. Knowles arrived at Ohio State in 2022 from Oklahoma State. Sources report that Penn State is finalizing a three-year deal with Knowles worth an average of $3.1 million per year, making him the highest-paid coordinator in college football history. The contract could reach eight figures with potential bonuses. Knowles, a Philadelphia native, will replace Tom Allen, who departed for Clemson, at Penn State. Despite Ohio State's efforts to retain him, including offering a new deal to make him the nation's highest-paid defensive coordinator, Penn State had to outlast Ohio State's push to secure Knowles. He reportedly declined offers from Oklahoma and Notre Dame. The addition of Knowles is anticipated to bolster Penn State's coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season.