Jim Knowles’ first press conference as Penn State’s defensive coordinator is in the books, PSU fans. It was a very, very interesting half hour or so with Knowles on Tuesday. James Franklin paid big money to bring Ohio State’s former DC to State College. Expectations for the Lions’ 2025 team, and especially its defense, could not be higher.

The Penn State Nittany Lions football team officially introduced new defensive coordiantor Jim Knowles to the media on Tuesday, Feb, 4. The newest defensive leader under head coach James Franklin, addressed the assembled reporters in Pegula Ice Arena due to the construction at Beaver Stadium.

CBS Sports reports that Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is leaving the Buckeyes to join James Franklin's staff at Penn State. Knowles is expected to be paid an average of $3.1 million over three years, according to ESPN . During Knowles' time at Ohio State, the Buckeyes ranked in the top three in total defense for two of those years.