If you're Notre Dame, you must proceed with caution with Jim Knowles and his Ohio State defense near the goal line. The post Fact Check: Is Ohio State’s Jim Knowles Leaving for Oklahoma? appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles responded Saturday during to the rumors linking him to OU's opening.

After replacing Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby as OC, Littrell was fired in October, when Finley was promoted to play-caller on an interim basis, as was Johns to coach the QBs. Finley remains on staff to coach the tight ends, but Johns is now coaching quarterbacks at Oklahoma State.

The Buckeyes defensive coordinator is focused on beating Notre Dame for the national championship, but he's long been rumored to be on Brent Venables' wish list

Jim Knowles has reshaped the Ohio State defense in his three years in Columbus, with 2024 marking the culmination. The Buckeyes rank No. 1 in team defense, allowing 251.1 yards and just 12.2 points. After forcing a goal-line stand in the Cotton Bowl,

Speaking at media day ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship game on Saturday, Knowles sidestepped the question. Knowles was the third-highest paid assistant in college football in 2024, earning $2.2 million. He remains under contract through 2026. Oklahoma paid Alley $850,000.

Ohio State DC Jim Knowles was dismissive of job offer rumors ahead of College Football Playoff National Championship Game vs. Notre Dame

Ohio State’s run to the National Championship has been a special one and one more win would cap off the Buckeyes’ first title in a decade. The Buckeyes have gotten a strong showing from both the offense and defense throughout the playoff.