Penn State is conveying a message before the 2025 season. As reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Nittany Lions are poised to bring Jim Knowles on board as their upcoming defensive coordinator.
Although the agreement is not yet complete, the action indicates Penn State’s commitment to compete for a national championship.
Knowles, 59, has dedicated the last three seasons to Ohio State as their defensive coordinator, heading one of the country’s leading defenses. In 2024, the Buckeyes held the top spot in scoring defense (12.9 points per game) and total defense (254.6 yards per game), achieving top-three results in both rushing and passing defense as well.
Knowles would take over for Tom Allen, who departed after one season to assume the role of defensive coordinator at Clemson. Under Allen’s leadership, the Nittany Lions defense was ranked eighth in the nation for scoring defense (16.5 points allowed per game) and seventh for total defense (294.8 yards allowed per game).
Although Allen’s exit was a disadvantage, Penn State’s effort to secure Knowles — allegedly on a three-year contract valued at $3.1 million each year — demonstrates a bold dedication to enhance the program even more.
If finalized, the contract would make Knowles the top-earning defensive coordinator in the history of college football. It also signifies a homecoming for the Philadelphia native, who went to St. Joseph’s Prep before starting a coaching career with roles at Duke, Oklahoma State, and Ohio State.
The timing of the recruitment coincides with a packed 2025 roster. Important returning players are defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, defensive tackle Zane Durant, safety Zakee Wheatley, cornerback A.J. Harris, and linebacker Tony Rojas.
The action has effects that extend beyond Happy Valley. Ohio State must find a new coordinator who played a key role in achieving a national championship in 2024. With only three starters back from that championship defense, the Buckeyes are now undergoing a significant transition during an important offseason.
Penn State kicks off the 2025 season on August 30 at Beaver Stadium facing Nevada. If Knowles officially becomes part of the team, he will be responsible for transforming a strong defense into one suitable for a championship.
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