Jim Knowles Joins Penn State as Defensive Coordinator

After helping Ohio State win the National Championship, Jim Knowles joins Penn State as their defensive coordinator. Knowles regarded as one of the best coordinators in college football joins a talented Penn State defense, with hopes of winning the championship next season. Knowles will become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football history making $3.1 million per year for the next three years. Knowles is from Philadelphia and will be returning home in his move to Penn State. 

At Ohio State, Knowles coached a top-three defense in college football the past two seasons. Knowles's defense held opponents to 254.6 yards per game and only 4.2 yards per play which led the nation. Before taking the position at Ohio State, Knowles was the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State where his defense ranked in the top five and made an appearance in the Big 12 championship game. Knowles was also the defensive coordinator at Duke and the head coach at his alma mater Cornell. 

Tom Allen left Penn State after one season to take the defensive coordinator position at Clemson. Last season, Penn State ranked sixth in team defense under Allen. Knowles comes to State College with a number of returners including Dani Dennis Sutton and Dominic Deluca two of the Nittany Lions leaders on defense. Abdul Carter is leaving for the NFL draft which is a huge loss for the defense, however, with Knowles and their returners, Penn State will be a top defensive team next season. 

Not only does the defense have a number of returners but so does the offense. James Franklin and Penn State are gearing up for a national championship run next season. Penn State fell short to Notre Dame in the semi-finals this year however Drew Allar, a highly rated prospect in the NFL draft, and a number of other players on offense will also be returning. Andy Kotelnicki also turned down a number of head coaching positions and will be returning and with Knowles joining James Franklin, the Nittany Lions are among the favorites to win the national championship next season.