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NORMAN — OU football won’t be hiring Jim Knowles as the school’s new defensive coordinator.
Knowles, Ohio State’s defensive coordinator the past three seasons, has reportedly agreed to a deal to become Penn State’s defensive coordinator and the highest-paid assistant in the country, KREF’s Toby Rowland reported on Sunday. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported the deal is for three years with an annual average salary of $3.1 million.
The former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator has been the Buckeyes’ defensive playcaller since 2022 and helped lead them to the national championship this season.
Knowles is a native of Philadelphia.
More: Jim Knowles would be great at OU. But would his hiring be great for the Sooners?
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles watches practice for the College Football Playoff against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 18, 2025.
For weeks, there was speculation Knowles could fill the Sooners’ defensive coordinator opening and be closer to his family as he recently got engaged to a woman from Oklahoma. OU was prepared to offer Knowles up to $3 million per year, per FootballScoop.
Knowles was asked about his name being floated for the Sooners’ job on Jan. 18.
“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.”
OU’s search marches on as it aims to replace 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 and runs a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ou-football-misses-ohio-states-192641238.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2025-01-26 19:26:00
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