Knowles, a Philadelphia native with strong ties to the Northeast, transformed the Buckeyes' defense during an impressive three-year stint. Ohio State ranked top three in total defense each of the past two seasons and led the nation by holding opponents to 254.6 yards per game and 4.2 yards per play during a historic campaign.

Knowles would join James Franklin's Penn State staff after three seasons at Ohio State, where he won a national championship.

Oklahoma's search for a defensive coordinator is a month old and reportedly targeting a Sun Belt Conference defensive coordinator. Who is Nate Drieling?

Penn State has lured Tom Knowles away from Ohio State. The Nittany Lions have hired Knowles to serve as their defensive coordinator.

New Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles seems to be hitting all the right notes in his first week with the Nittany Lions. Penn State football’s social media account posted a video Tuesday of Knowles, the former Ohio State DC, addressing the PSU team.

Penn State released a video of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles meeting with the program after his hiring.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 31: Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is seen prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) Getty Images

According to reports, Penn State is finalizing a deal to lure defensive coordinator Jim Knowles away from Ohio State.

As Ohio State’s celebration tour for the school’s ninth national title continues, some of the Buckeyes’ key defensive players are grappling with the departure of their defensive coordinator. Jim Knowles decided to leave Columbus for Big Ten rival Penn State after three years at Ohio State,

Nittany Lions coach James Franklin seeks to make a bold move, hiring the architect of the Buckeyes' championship defense.