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

Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs gave his reaction on Monday to the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who left for Penn State.

The Ohio State Buckeyes finished the season with a national championship, cementing head coach Ryan Day's status as one of the top coaches in college football. Day was joined by a pair of veteran assistants in offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.