Just over a week after it was announced that he was leaving Ohio State, Jim Knowles was introduced as Penn State’s defensive coordinator at a press conference on Tuesday.
For all sides, Knowles’ decision to attend Penn State is significant. Knowles played a vital part in Ohio State’s national victory last season, leading a defense that led the country in both scoring defense and total defense during his three years with the Buckeyes.
According to some sources, Knowles agreed to a three-year contract paying an average of $3.1 million year. Knowles would be the highest-paid college football coordinator as a result.
Tuesday marked Knowles’ first media appearance since his official hiring last Monday. A straightforward question was posed to him: why now? Why now transfer from Ohio State to Penn State?
Knowles expressed gratitude for his time at Ohio State and the chance he was given by Coach Ryan Day. Our defense was the best in the nation. took home a national title. had excellent ties with the administration, Coach Day, and the players. felt encouraged.
At one stage in your career, you are provided opportunities based on your prior performance. As I mentioned earlier, Penn State was the pinnacle of college football for me as a child growing up in inner-city Philadelphia. Back in my childhood, I was never gifted enough to play at Penn State. However, now that I have the chance to work as a coach, it’s truly where I want to be in order to advance my career and provide whatever knowledge I can to the company.
Knowles, 59, is a native of Philadelphia and a graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep. He has been a college coach for more than thirty years, having held positions at Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Duke, Cornell, Ole Miss, and other schools.
Knowles, who attracted additional attention after assisting the Buckeyes in winning the national championship, has long been revered by James Franklin. According to reports, Ohio State made him a new contract offer, but it was not as good as Penn State’s. There was also Oklahoma.
However, Penn State prevailed and acquired what is undoubtedly the nation’s top defensive coordinator.
Knowles remarked of Franklin and sports director Pat Kraft, “They just want to win.” They are dedicated to doing all it takes to achieve their goal of winning at the greatest level.
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Johnny McGonigal