Knowles would join James Franklin's Penn State staff after three seasons at Ohio State, where he won a national championship.

Penn State’s new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles met the media for the first time Tuesday for the first time since signing his contract last week. Knowles talked about leaving Ohio State after a National Championship, the 2025 potential for the Nittany Lions and even growing up in Philadelphia.

The Penn State Nittany Lions football team officially introduced new defensive coordiantor Jim Knowles to the media on Tuesday, Feb, 4. The newest defensive leader under head coach James Franklin, addressed the assembled reporters in Pegula Ice Arena due to the construction at Beaver Stadium.