Calling Penn State the ‘epitome of college football,’ Jim Knowles explains why he left Ohio State
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Jim Knowles was introduced as Penn State’s defensive coordinator in a Tuesday press conference, a little more than a week after news broke that he was leaving Ohio State.
Knowles joining Penn State is a big move for both parties. Knowles spent three years with the Buckeyes and played a crucial role in Ohio State’s national championship last season, orchestrating a defense that ranked first nationally in total defense and scoring defense.
Knowles signed a three-year deal worth an average of $3.1 million per year, according to multiple reports. That would make Knowles the highest-paid coordinator in college football.
Knowles met with the media for the first time Tuesday since he was officially hired last Monday. He was asked a simple question: why now? Why leave Ohio State for Penn State now?
“I’m grateful for my time at Ohio State and the opportunity that Coach (Ryan) Day gave me,” Knowles said. “We had the No. 1 defense in the country. Won a national championship. Had great relationships with the players, with Coach Day, with the administration. Felt supported.
“You reach a point in your career where you’re given opportunities based on past performance. And like I’ve said, Penn State for me, growing up in inner city Philly, was the epitome of college football. When I was a kid, and I was never talented enough to make it to Penn State as a player. But given the opportunity to do it now as a coach, it’s really where I want to be to continue my career and bring any expertise that I can to the organization.”
Knowles was later asked if he had any aspirations of becoming a head coach. He responded: “My aspiration is to help Penn State win the national championship and be the No. 1 defense in the country. … I don’t have any other aspirations beyond that.”
Knowles, 59, is a Philadelphia native and St. Joseph’s Prep alumnus. He brings over three decades of college coaching experience that spans stops at Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Duke, Cornell, Ole Miss and more.
James Franklin has long admired Knowles, who drew other interest after helping the Buckeyes win the national title. Ohio State reportedly offered him a new contract that fell short of Penn State’s offer. Oklahoma was also in the mix.
But Penn State won out, securing arguably the best defensive coordinator in the country.
“They just want to win,” Knowles said of Franklin and athletic director Pat Kraft. “They want to win at the highest level, and they’re committed to doing whatever it takes.”