As Ryan Day looks to hire his fourth defensive coordinator in seven seasons, here are potential candidates to replace Jim Knowles.

Knowles would fill the void on Penn State’s staff left by Tom Allen, who accepted the same position with Clemson earlier this month.

Here are three potential options who could fill the Ohio State Buckeyes' defensive coordinator vacancy in 2025.

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,

Just as Ohio State was celebrating its national championship victory at Ohio Stadium on Sunday, news broke that Jim Knowles was heading to Penn State.

However, Knowles wasn’t in attendance. About an hour later, reports surfaced that Knowles is leaving Ohio State to serve as Penn State’s next defensive coordinator. The move leaves Day searching for a replacement. Here’s who he might consider as he enters his seventh season as the Buckeyes' head coach.

Jim Knowles is expected to take the same position at Penn State, as first reported by Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger. The two sides are finalizing a three-year deal reportedly worth $3.1 million per season, making him the first college football coordinator to earn an annual salary of at least $3 million.

Ohio State’s defensive coordinator is celebrating winning a national championship with a new contract — from one of their rivals.

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar runs as Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle Ty Hamilton and defensive end JT Tuimoloau move in during the fourth quarter on Nov. 2, 2024. Joe Hermitt | [email protected] PennLive

Penn State has lured Jim Knowles away from Ohio State. The Nittany Lions hired Knowles on Monday to serve as their defensive coordinator. Knowles held the same position with the national champion Buckeyes for three years.

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