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NORMAN — OU football is still in the midst of searching for its next defensive coordinator.
Rumors have linked current Ohio State and former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to the opening in recent weeks. Knowles was asked about his name being floated for the Sooners’ job on Saturday.
“Beat Notre Dame, that’s all I’m focused on,” Knowles said. “These things happen, I guess, when you have success, players are making plays. My job is to put them in the best position. These things come up when you do well.”
Knowles has been the Buckeyes’ defensive playcaller since 2022 and helped lead them to the national championship game this season. The Buckeyes ranked No. 1 in scoring defense, No. 1 in total defense and No. 3 in rush defense this season.
A veteran coach of nearly 40 years, Knowles would also bring head coaching experience. He served as Cornell’s coach from 2004-09 and has also served as the defensive playcaller at Duke and Western Michigan.
The potential move would also position Knowles closer to his family as he recently got engaged to a woman from Oklahoma.
OU is in search of a replacement for Zac Alley, who departed for West Virginia after one season. OU’s defense ranked No. 31 nationally this season, with Alley being named a nominee for the Broyles Award, which is given to the top assistant coach in college football.
Knowles is considered one of the best defensive minds in college football, runs a 4-2-5 scheme and could help Venables transition into more of a CEO coach.
OU returns stars on defense and has been successful at landing defensive players in the NCAA transfer portal, even without a defensive coordinator, including landing star edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. from Florida State.
The Buckeyes face the Fighting Irish in the CFP national championship game Monday.
More: Why Jim Knowles…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ohio-state-defensive-coordinator-jim-170747869.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2025-01-18 17:07:00
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