However, despite his many detours, Knowles is at his heart a Pennsylvanian—a Philadelphian to be exact. Addressing Penn State in a video released by the school Tuesday morning, Knowles recalled growing up a fan of the Nittany Lions in the Keystone State.
Knowles wasn't just taking off for anywhere, either. He was leaving to accept the same job with the Penn State Nittany Lions — a Big Ten Conference rival. While at face value th
Penn State signee and St. Joseph's Prep star Cam Smith spoke to PennLive about the Nittany Lions hiring Jim Knowles from Ohio State.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith runs in for a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of play in the 2025 CFP National Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, January 20, 2025. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Former Ohio State defensive coordinator said in an address to Penn State players that the Nittany Lions were 'everything' to him growing up
In hiring Jim Knowles, Penn State followed the adage: If you can't beat them, turn them to your side. While everyone in college football is already talking about Penn State's new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, it's possible that not everyone is realizing how much his betrayal of Ohio State benefits his new club.
Knowles will make Penn State's defense one of the best in the country, but his addition might help the offense too.
Jim Knowles, Penn State's new defensive coordinator, brought his Penn State football history and some Philly ethos to his first meeting with the Nittany Lions. Knowles, whom Penn State hired away from Ohio State, introduced himself to the team this week, telling players and fellow coaches, "This is where I want to be."
Penn State introduced new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to the staff this week after prying him away from Ohio State. There appears to be much drama
Knowles would fill the void on Penn State’s staff left by Tom Allen, who accepted the same position with Clemson earlier this month.
The departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles adds a challenge for Ohio State, which was already dealing with heavy roster turnover on defense.
The Nittany Lions reportedly made the former Ohio State assistant college football's highest-paid defensive coordinator.