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

Knowles would fill the void on Penn State’s staff left by Tom Allen, who accepted the same position with Clemson earlier this month.

Here are three potential options who could fill the Ohio State Buckeyes' defensive coordinator vacancy in 2025.

As Ohio State’s celebration tour for the school’s ninth national title continues, some of the Buckeyes’ key defensive players are grappling with the departure of their defensive coordinator. Jim Knowles decided to leave Columbus for Big Ten rival Penn State after three years at Ohio State,

Just as Ohio State was celebrating its national championship victory at Ohio Stadium on Sunday, news broke that Jim Knowles was heading to Penn State.

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar runs as Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle Ty Hamilton and defensive end JT Tuimoloau move in during the fourth quarter on Nov. 2, 2024. Joe Hermitt | [email protected] PennLive

Jim Knowles is expected to take the same position at Penn State, as first reported by Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger. The two sides are finalizing a three-year deal reportedly worth $3.1 million per season, making him the first college football coordinator to earn an annual salary of at least $3 million.

Ohio State’s defensive coordinator is celebrating winning a national championship with a new contract — from one of their rivals.

Now that the college football season has ended we have to wait until the end of August to watch our favorite teams play again for the 2025 season. However it’s never too early to talk about how we think our squads will fare in the upcoming season.

Here’s a round-up of the latest news pertinent to Ohio State’s defensive coordinator search. Former Wisconsin defensive coordinator — and interim head coach (2022) — Jim Leonhard seems to be staying put in the NFL.

Jim Knowles made a rare move by leaving Ohio State — just after the Buckeyes won the national championship — to join Big Ten rival Penn State. His decision, confirmed on Jan. 27, wasn’t a surprise to his players,