Jim Knowles, who played a pivotal role in leading Ohio State to a national championship with the top-ranked defense, is finalizing a deal to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football at Penn State. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-ohio-state-dc-jim-knowles-headed-penn-state-2025-01-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

 

According to ESPN, Knowles will join head coach James Franklin’s staff with a three-year contract, earning $3.1 million per season. This new salary represents a $900,000 increase from his previous contract at Ohio State and surpasses the $2.5 million annual contracts of Michigan’s Wink Martindale and LSU’s Blake Baker. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-ohio-state-dc-jim-knowles-headed-penn-state-2025-01-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

 

Under Knowles, Ohio State had a standout defensive performance, allowing an average of 251.1 yards and 12.2 points per game, significantly contributing to their 14-2 season record. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-ohio-state-dc-jim-knowles-headed-penn-state-2025-01-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

 

Penn State, which ranked seventh in total defense and eighth in scoring defense, hopes to build on this success with many key players returning. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-ohio-state-dc-jim-knowles-headed-penn-state-2025-01-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

 

The move marks a significant maneuver within the Big Ten, as Penn State returns a sizable core of its College Football Playoff team from 2024 and should be considered among the favorites for the national title next season. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-ohio-state-dc-jim-knowles-headed-penn-state-2025-01-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

 

Knowles, who will replace new Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen, is a veteran coordinator who worked at Duke from 2010 to 2017 and Oklahoma State from 2018 to 2021. He has been at Ohio State since 2022, with this past season’s unit representing his best work. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-ohio-state-dc-jim-knowles-headed-penn-state-2025-01-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

 

Ohio State will be on the hunt for a new coordinator. The Buckeyes will return three starters from their national title defense, with all three set to be decorated in the preseason. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-ohio-state-dc-jim-knowles-headed-penn-state-2025-01-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

 

– [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)