James Franklin, who had been in hot pursuit of a big-name defensive coordinator to replace Tom Allen, plucked Jim Knowles from national champion Ohio State. If Knowles isn’t the top DC in the nation, he is on the short list.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left the Buckeyes program in a surprising turn of events, accepting the same job with the Penn State Nittany Lions

In a shocking turn of events, things appear to be getting worse for Ohio State following its national title. On Sunday, multiple reports have indicated that the

Several sources tell FootballScoop that Penn State is working to finalize a deal with vaunted defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the braintrust of Ohio State's national championship-winning defense. Per sources, the deal is expected to make Knowles the highest-paid defensive coordinator in all of college football.

When Penn State left the field after the 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9, James Franklin knew he had work to do. Franklin, though, didn’t realize then that he’d be spending the next two weeks or so looking for a new defensive coordinator after Tom Allen left to take the same job at Clemson.

Why is Jim Knowles a great fit to lead Penn State's defense? Get to know the former Ohio State assistant coach

I look forward to working with this tremendous staff and group of student-athletes and am ready to get to work,” Jim Knowles said in a written statement.

Jim Knowles has formally accepted a defensive coordinator job away from Ohio State, according to multiple reports.

Penn State’s previous defensive coordinator Tom Allen unexpectedly left for Clemson on Jan. 13. The ensuing 14-day stretch as Franklin searched for a replacement took plenty of turns, but the Nittany Lions' head man has always admired Knowles from afar and hoped to bring the Pennsylvania native back to the state.

The Philadelphia, PA native coordinated Ohio State defenses last two seasons leaves for Penn State looking to elevate themselves.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s national title defense will come with a new face running the defense. The Buckeyes are losing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. After three seasons in Columbus, he’s leaving to serve as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.