Penn State has officially hired Jim Knowles to be its next defensive coordinator.
The move, which was reported by Nittany Sports Now and many other outlets early Sunday afternoon, became officially official Monday morning when the Board of Trustees unanimously approved his contract.
‘You Don’t Mess Around With Jim’: Penn State Set to Hire Jim Knowles as Defensive Coordinator
It’s a big contract.
Penn State wouldn’t have been able to land Knowles from reigning national champion Ohio State if it didn’t shell out the big bucks, and that’s exactly what it did.
Knowles will make well over $3 million dollars, which will make him the highest-paid assistant coach in college football.
PSU historically hasn’t been known to pay that much, so, yeah, this is a big deal.
JAMES FRANKLIN’S STATEMENT
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 31: Penn State head coach James Franklin interacts with his team after the victory during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal playoff game against the Boise State Broncos on Tuesday December 31, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire)
“Join me in welcoming Jim Knowles back to his home in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the Defensive Coordinator of Penn State Football,” Franklin said. “He’s a strong strategist and excellent defensive mind. He reflects the core values our culture of excellence is built upon. We look forward to having Jim and his family join us in Happy Valley.”
FROM THE MAN HIMSELF
COLUMBUS, OH – AUGUST 27: Jim Knowles defensive coordinator of the Ohio State Buckeyes addresses members of the media during a press conference held at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio on August 27, 2024 (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire)
“I am excited for this opportunity to join Penn State Football. I would like to thank Coach Franklin, Pat Kraft and President Neeli Bendapudi for this opportunity to be the defensive coordinator at Penn State. I have always had a ton of respect for Coach Franklin and the program he has built here. I look forward to working with this tremendous staff and group of student-athletes and am ready to get to work.”
PSU opens the 2025 season against Nevada Saturday, Aug. 30 at Beaver Stadium.
