Oklahoma State’s former defensive mastermind is getting richer with his latest move. On Sunday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is leaving the Buckeyes to take the same position at Penn State.

Ohio State’s defensive coordinator is celebrating winning a national championship with a new contract — from one of their rivals. After guiding the Buckeyes defense for three seasons, Jim Knowles is jumping ship to Penn State after the Nittany Lions offered him a three-year contract worth $3.

The departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles adds a challenge for Ohio State, which was already dealing with heavy roster turnover on defense.

The Philadelphia native and St. Joseph’s Prep alum will become Penn State ’s next defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports on Sunday. Knowles has been with Ohio State since 2022, and reportedly will be the highest-paid coordinator in college football history. The deal, according to ESPN, is worth $3.1 million over three years.

Penn State has fired the biggest salvo of college football’s young offseason by hiring defensive coordinator Jim Knowles away from Ohio State.

The Nittany Lions are set to hire Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles for the same position, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation. He has yet to officially sign a contract with PSU.

Knowles has carved out a stellar career for himself. His stock took off as Oklahoma State’s defensive coordinator from 2018-21. He’s been at Ohio State since 2022, producing top defenses and first-round picks. He might be the best DC in the country.

Oklahoma has been linked to Knowles for the last couple of weeks, but the Sooners now face tough competition for Knowles’ services according to a report. Per FootballScoop, Penn State is prepared to offer Knowles $3.2 million annually.

Ohio State has made Jim Knowles a contract extension that would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator.

Ohio State has reportedly offered defensive coordinator Jim Knowles a contract extension that would make him the highest-paid DC in college

After replacing Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby as OC, Littrell was fired in October, when Finley was promoted to play-caller on an interim basis, as was Johns to coach the QBs. Finley remains on staff to coach the tight ends, but Johns is now coaching quarterbacks at Oklahoma State.