Jim Knowles agreed to a deal worth over $3 million per year to leave Ohio State and join the team he grew up rooting for.
Penn State’s defensive coordinator won a national championship last season with the Buckeyes and looks to do the same in Happy Valley one year later.
In preparation for the start of college ball, On3’s Andy Staples ranked the best defensive coordinators in the sport. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Knowles in the top spot after leading Ohio State to the No. 1 defense.
Staples regards the new Penn State DC as the No. 2 coach in the position.
Iowa’s Phil Parker is the only defensive coordinator ranked higher than Knowles.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.The Buckeyes ranked first in yards per game (254.6), tied for first in touchdown passes (0.6), second in first downs (15.1), and third in passing (167) and rushing yards/game (87.6).
Former defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who left for Clemson after one season to be closer to his family, is No. 4. Three Big Ten DC’s make the rankings, including Parker, Knowles, and Bryan Haines of Indiana (No. 6).
Penn State ranked seventh in total defense (294.8 yards) and ninth in rushing yards/game (101.9). Penn State forced 1.6 turnovers, including 1.3 interceptions (No. 10 in CFP.
The Nittany Lions host Nevada on August 30 at 3:30 p.m. to begin the season at Beaver Stadium.
