Why did Jim Knowles leave Ohio State football for Penn State? Here’s what he said

Posted by author February 4, 2025 Football

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Penn State football formally introduced Jim Knowles as its next defensive coordinator Tuesday.

Shortly into his press conference, Knowles was asked why he left Ohio State for the same position with the Nittany Lions.

“I’m grateful for my time at Ohio State and the opportunity that coach (Ryan) Day gave me,” Knowles told reporters. “We had the No. 1 defense in the country. We won a national championship. (I) had great relationships with the players and with coach Day and the administration. (I) felt supported.

“You reach a point in your career where you’re given opportunities based on past performance, and like I’ve said, Penn State, for me growing up in inner-city (Philadelphia), was the epitome of college football when I was a kid.”

Knowles spent the previous three seasons as Day’s defensive coordinator.

When he arrived, he inherited a defense ranking in the bottom half of the Big Ten across various statistical categories in 2021.

Knowles helped elevated the unit back toward the top of the country, capped by owning perhaps the nation’s top unit en route to the ninth national title in program history last month.

However, the championship quickly accompanied Knowles’ departure.

He did not attend Ohio State’s championship celebration in Columbus less than a week after beating Notre Dame.

After the celebration wrapped up, news broke that Knowles was leaving for a Big Ten rival.

He now works under coach James Franklin at a program Knowles feels is “so close” to winning a title of its own.

“I think I can help,” Knowles said. “I think I can be of service.”