Nittany Lions hire Knowles as defensive coordinator

Penn State formally hired Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to the same position Monday morning.

Knowles replaces Tom Allen, who left after one year to become the defensive coordinator at Clemson.

Knowles, a native of Philadelphia and an alum of St.

Josephs Prep, joins the Nittany Lions after spending three seasons in Columbus.

He played a key role in Ohio States 2024 national championship run: His defense ranked first nationally in total defense and scoring defense.

Knowles becomes James Franklins third defensive coordinator in four seasons.

Manny Diaz left after the 2023 season to become the head coach at Duke following a two-year stint in Happy Valley.

Allen was hired after a lengthy run as the head coach at Indiana and left after helping Penn State to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Hes a strong strategist and excellent defensive mind, Franklin said.

He reflects the core values our culture of excellence is built upon.

We look forward to having Jim and his family join us in Happy Valley.

Published reports say Knowles will become the nations highest-paid defensive coordinator, with an annual salary of more than $3 million.

I am excited for this opportunity to join Penn State Football, Knowles said.

I have always had a ton of respect for coach Franklin and the program he has built here.

I look forward to working with this tremendous staff and group of student-athletes and am ready to get to work.

Knowles has been a defensive coordinator for 17 seasons and was a head coach at Cornell for six years.

Under Knowles, the Buckeyes ranked first nationally in scoring defense, total defense, yards allowed per play, touchdowns allowed per play and opponents touchdowns scored in the red zone.

Ohio States defense also ranked second in sacks, passing touchdowns allowed per game and opponent red zone score percentage, and third in rushing defense, passing defense and sacks per game..

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