Former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said he was grateful for his three years at OSU, but the pull of his home state lured him away.

Fresh off a national championship run with Ohio State, Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has accepted the same position at Big Ten rival Penn State. Knowles is expected to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the history of college football with a salary range averaging $3.

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

Penn State announced Monday it had hired Jim Knowles as its defensive coordinator. According to multiple reports, Knowles reached a three-year contract with an average annual salary of $3.1 million. Knowles is a Philadelphia native. In a statement, Knowles said he was "excited for this opportunity" to join the Nittany Lions' program.

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

Jim Knowles may have something up his sleeve next season when he takes over as Penn State's defensive coordinator.

Penn State has hired Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator after he helped Ohio State win the national championship, according to multiple reports. The Buckeyes had hoped to keep the 59-year-old Knowles, who also was pursued by Oklahoma and Notre Dame.

Penn State's new defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, made his first public appearance as the Nittany Lions' DC. A few new additions to Knowles' defensive staff were announced the next day, notably a Penn State alum and current FCS head coach.

In a move that shocked college football fans, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles — fresh off helping Ohio State win a national championship — decided to leave the Buckeyes and take the same job with the Penn State Nittany Lions.