Jim Knowles, Ohio State’s national-title winning defensive coordinator, is being targeted by Franklin and the Nittany Lions. But Penn State is far from the only program in the mix.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football is doing its part to retain defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The Buckeyes have made Knowles an offer that would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football, according to multiple reports.

Ohio State has made defensive coordinator Jim Knowles an offer that would make him the highest paid DC in the country, a source told On3 Saturday. But Knowles is weighing other options. Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Penn State all need defensive coordinators.

Ohio State is reportedly working to make defensive coordinator Jim Knowles the highest-paid assistant in college football.

Ohio State has made Jim Knowles a contract extension offer that would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator.

Penn State has been on the lookout for a new defensive coordinator for the past two weeks. That is how long ago Tom Allen decided to leave Penn State after one year to become the defensive coordinator at Clemson. So what exactly has been taking Penn State so long to name his replacement on James Franklin’s staff?

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles responded Saturday during to the rumors linking him to OU's opening.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State ’s first-ever 16-game season is in the books and the Nittany Lions are the preseason No. 1 in Stewart Mandel’s way-too-early 2025 projections. Of course, there are still gaping holes on this team, notably at wide receiver and with a defensive coordinator who still needs to be hired to replace Tom Allen.