Following their recent national championship victory, the Ohio State Buckeyes are experiencing significant changes within their coaching staff. Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles has accepted a position at Penn State, where he will become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football. His departure marks a notable shift for the Buckeyes’ defense.
Jim Knowles, 59, played a pivotal role in leading Ohio State to a national championship with the top-ranked defense. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes allowed an average of 251.1 yards and 12.2 points per game, significantly contributing to their 14-2 season record. At Penn State, Knowles will join head coach James Franklin’s staff with a three-year contract, earning $3.1 million per season. This new salary represents a $900,000 increase from his previous contract at Ohio State and surpasses the $2.5 million annual contracts of Michigan’s Wink Martindale and LSU’s Blake Baker. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-ohio-state-dc-jim-knowles-headed-penn-state-2025-01-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Prior to his tenure at Ohio State, Knowles served as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State and Duke and was the head coach at Cornell. His extensive experience and successful track record have made him a sought-after coach in collegiate football.
In addition to Knowles’ departure, reports have surfaced that Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly might be leaving Ohio State following the national championship-winning season. While details remain unconfirmed, such a move would further impact the Buckeyes’ coaching dynamics. ([thespun.com](https://thespun.com/college-football/chip-kelly-might-be-leaving-ohio-state-after-national-championship?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
These coaching changes present both challenges and opportunities for Ohio State. Replacing key coordinators is crucial for maintaining the team’s recent success. The Buckeyes’ leadership will need to act swiftly to fill these positions with qualified candidates who can uphold and build upon the program’s high standards.
As the offseason progresses, Ohio State fans and stakeholders will closely monitor the coaching staff’s restructuring. The decisions made in the coming weeks will play a significant role in shaping the team’s future performance and its pursuit of continued excellence in college football.
– [athlonsports.com](https://athlonsports.com/college/ohio-state-buckeyes/ohio-state-loses-coach-after-national-championship?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– [athlonsports.com](https://athlonsports.com/college/ohio-state-buckeyes/ohio-state-gets-bad-news-on-assistant-coach-after-national-title-win-over-notre-dame?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
