Ohio State University has appointed Jon Heacock, formerly the defensive coordinator at Iowa State, as the new defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes football team. This move follows the departure of Jim Knowles, who left Ohio State to join Penn State on a record-breaking contract.

 

**Jon Heacock’s Coaching Background**

 

Jon Heacock brings a wealth of experience to Ohio State’s defensive unit. A native of Beloit, Ohio, Heacock began his coaching career at Steubenville High School, contributing to an Ohio Division II State Championship in 1984. He then served as the defensive coordinator, defensive line coach, and secondary coach at West Liberty University from 1985 to 1987. Heacock’s collegiate coaching journey includes roles as a graduate assistant at the University of Michigan, defensive backs coach at Army, and defensive coordinator at Youngstown State and Indiana. He served as the head coach at Youngstown State from 2001 to 2009, achieving a 60-44 record and earning multiple Coach of the Year honors. In 2011, he became the defensive coordinator at Kent State, followed by a tenure as the defensive coordinator at Toledo. Since 2016, Heacock has been with Iowa State, initially as the defensive coordinator and later as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach. ([cyclones.com](https://cyclones.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/jon-heacock/887?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

 

**Jim Knowles’ Departure and Contract Details**

 

Jim Knowles, who led Ohio State’s defense to a national championship, departed to join Penn State on a three-year contract worth $3.1 million per season, making him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football. Despite Ohio State’s offer that would have made him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the country with over $2.5 million per year, Knowles opted for Penn State’s lucrative offer. ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/01/26/sports/penn-state-swipes-ohio-states-jim-knowles-on-record-contract/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

 

**Heacock’s Contract with Ohio State**

 

Details regarding Jon Heacock’s contract with Ohio State have not been publicly disclosed. Given his extensive coaching experience and the competitive nature of college football, it is anticipated that Heacock’s contract reflects his expertise and the expectations for the Buckeyes’ defensive performance.

 

Heacock’s appointment is expected to bring a wealth of experience and a strong defensive strategy to Ohio State, aiming to continue the program’s tradition of excellence on the field.

 

– [nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/01/26/sports/penn-state-swipes-ohio-states-jim-knowles-on-record-contract/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

– [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-ohio-state-dc-jim-knowles-headed-penn-state-2025-01-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

– [onefootdown.com](https://www.onefootdown.com/2025/1/29/24354758/notre-dame-football-irish-to-hire-chris-ash-as-the-defensive-coordinator-ohio-state-nd-news-dc-cfb?utm_source=chatgpt.com)