Key Penn State football coach to get new contract following Jim Knowles hire, per report

Going into last week, safeties coach Anthony Poindexter appeared to be next in line as defensive coordinator for Penn State football. However, in a rapid turn of events, James Franklin was able to pull off the staff acquisition of the offseason, luring Jim Knowles away from Ohio State and into the Nittany Lions locker room.

But Poindexter doesn’t seem to be spurned despite not receiving the promotion. In fact, he’ll be getting a new deal to stay in Happy Valley himself, according to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports.

In a story published Sunday evening, Dellenger reports that Poindexter is expected to sign a multi-year contract extension with an increased salary.

The fourth-year assistant coach and co-defensive coordinator was reportedly one of the early candidates to ascend into the role full-time after Tom Allen left for Clemson two weeks ago. However, Franklin and the Nittany Lions made a renewed push for Knowles following Ohio State’s national title on Monday.

Penn State co-DC Anthony Poindexter, a key figure in the Knowles hire, is expected to remain on staff under a new contract, sources tell @YahooSports.

In line to be DC before Knowles’ interest, Poindexter supported the hire and spoke to Knowles this week https://t.co/QkQVcqc0lX pic.twitter.com/XvjEAZGe72

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 26, 2025

Dellenger reports that Poindexter was a full-throated advocate for bringing Knowles into the Lasch Building, even recently discussing the position with the Ohio State defensive coordinator.

Penn State football is expected to sign Knowles to a three-year deal that averages $3.1 million annually. The historic offer would make Knowles the highest-paid coordinator in college football. The Penn State Board of Trustees Committee on Equity and Human Resources has a meeting scheduled for Monday morning at 8 a.m.

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