Jim Knowles’ surprising departure from Ohio State to Penn State has reignited the rivalry between the two programs. Just days after Ohio State secured a national championship, Knowles, the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator, made the unexpected decision to leave for a conference rival. This move was met with frustration from Ohio State, prompting the program to request that Knowles not attend their national title celebration while he considered his options, according to Brett McMurphy of Action Network.
Knowles and his representatives had attempted to negotiate a new contract with Ohio State both before and after the championship game. However, the Buckeyes’ final offer was reportedly far below what Penn State was willing to pay. While Ohio State did offer him an extension, the specifics remain undisclosed. Knowles had been earning $2.2 million annually before making the switch. His new contract with Penn State is worth $9.3 million over three years, making it clear that financial incentives played a role in his decision.
Despite the salary increase, Knowles’ departure is seen as a lateral move rather than a step up. Leaving the reigning national champions for another Big Ten contender adds to the tension between the programs. Ohio State fans are particularly disappointed because Knowles had significantly improved their defense each season, culminating in the top-ranked defense in college football this past year. His presence was a key factor in their dominant season, which included wins over top teams like Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame.
Had Knowles stayed, Ohio State’s core leadership—including head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly—could have continued their dominance, potentially securing more national titles. Instead, Knowles opted to join Penn State, a program already strong defensively but hoping to gain championship-level experience under his guidance.
Ohio State, now looking for a replacement, is determined to move forward without him. While Knowles’ decision is understandable from a financial standpoint, it has left a bitter taste in Columbus. For now, the Buckeyes will focus on finding a new defensive leader as they aim to defend their title.
