Penn State: Jim Knowles Making More Than Almost All NFL Defensive Coordinators

Penn State fans know that new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is making a lot of money but here’s something to put it into perspective.

At over $3 million, Knowles is the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the country.

He’s also making more than almost every NFL defensive coordinator.

Per a report by FrontOfficeSports.com, which listed the top 15 highest-paid defensive coordinators, only three are making more than Knowles.

There are only 3 Defensive Coordinators in the NFL that will make more than Penn State DC Jim Knowles. 2/3 are coaching in the Super Bowl

-Vic Fangio (Eagles, 4.5M)
-Mike Zimmer (Cowboys, 4M)
-Steve Spagnuolo (Chiefs, 3.5M)

— LandonTengwall (@landon_tengwall) January 27, 2025

All three of them: Vic Fangio of the Philadelphia Eagles ($4.5 million), Mike Zimmer of the Dallas Cowboys ($4 million) and Steve Spagnuolo of the Kansas City Chiefs (3.5M) are guys that have been head coaches. Fangio and Spagnuolo are coaching against each other in the Super Bowl Feb. 8. If Zimmer’s retirement happens as planned, Knowles would be the third-highest paid NFL defensive coordinator.

So, yeah, it’s a big get for Penn State for multiple reasons.

BEATING THE BUCKEYES

Penn State’s offense would come up short on 4th down in their eventual loss to Ohio State.

Penn State isn’t used to beating the Buckeyes. In its past 12 meetings against Ohio State, PSU has only won two of them. But this qualifies as a W over Ohio State. PSU stole Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, and less than a week after the Buckeyes won the national championship.

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Report: Ohio State Asked Jim Knowles Not to Attend Parade

This is an unprecedented move in Penn State football history and a sign that this athletic department is different than ones of the past.

KNOWLES IS READY TO GET STARTED

Graphic by Penn State Athletics: Jim Knowles

Although a grueling 16-game season just ended, Knowles is already ready to get back to work.

“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.