STATE COLLEGE – Jim Knowles had been on James Franklin’s wish list as a potential Penn State defensive coordinator since at least 2021. But not until after Ohio State’s win over Notre Dame ...

Penn State’s ability to pry Jim Knowles, perhaps the country’s most highly regarded defensive coordinator, from defending national champion Ohio State signaled the all-in mindset coach James ...

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles received backlash for the handling of his departure, highlighted by his absence from the Buckeyes' championship celebration.

Though Penn State interviewed NFL and other college coaches, having some familiarity with Knowles from a few years ago helped. “I will say this in defense of Jim because I knew he took some ...

He said he hadn’t even been in contact with Jim Knowles' agent to that point, and the call was the moment Franklin knew there was a chance Penn State could lure Knowles to Happy Valley.