James Franklin, Jim Knowles speak out for first time since historic hiring

It’s officially official. On Monday morning, Jim Knowles put pen to paper, signing on as the next defensive coordinator for Penn State football.

Knowles is set to receive $9.3 million over the next three seasons. The historic deal makes the former Ohio State assistant the highest-paid coordinator in college football. Only three NFL defensive coordinators – the Eagles’ Vic Fangio ($4.5 million), the Cowboys’ Mike Zimmer ($4 million), and the Chiefs’ Steve Spagnuolo ($3.5 million) – currently make more than the newest Nittany Lions assistant at $3.1 million per year.

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The move, which will likely go down as the most significant assistant coach hiring of the offseason, was publicly believed to be dead on arrival a week ago. But James Franklin and Penn State’s leadership were able to make a renewed push after the Buckeyes’ national title victory last Monday, which ultimately pried Knowles away from Columbus.

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“I am excited for this opportunity to join Penn State football,” Knowles said in a statement on Monday. “I would like to thank Coach Franklin, Pat Kraft, and President Neeli Bendapudi for this opportunity to be the defensive coordinator at Penn State. I have always had a ton of respect for Coach Franklin and the program he has built here. I look forward to working with this tremendous staff and group of student-athletes and am ready to get to work.”

Knowles replaces Tom Allen, who became Clemson’s new defensive coordinator on January 13. Ohio State was top five against the run and in the red zone and led the nation in scoring defense and yards allowed in 2024.

“He’s a strong strategist and excellent defensive mind,” said Franklin. “He reflects the core values our culture of excellence is built upon. We look forward to having Jim and his family join us in Happy Valley.”

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