Jim Knowles departed for Penn State just a few days after the team returned to Columbus from the national title game to become the highest-paid coordinator in the sport.

Penn State announced Monday it had hired Jim Knowles as its defensive coordinator. According to multiple reports, Knowles reached a three-year contract with an average annual salary of $3.1 million. Knowles is a Philadelphia native. In a statement, Knowles said he was "excited for this opportunity" to join the Nittany Lions' program.

As Ryan Day looks to hire his fourth defensive coordinator in seven seasons, here are potential candidates to replace Jim Knowles.

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

Ohio State defensive lineman Jack Sawyer says the Buckeyes' defense lived up to its own very high expectations in 2024. He spoke at the NFL combine.