Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is finalizing a deal to become the new defensive coordinator at Penn State, sources told ESPN on Sunday. Knowles is expected to agree to a three-year deal that will average $3.

Jim Knowles will leave Ohio State and become the defensive coordinator for Penn State in one of this year’s bombshell coaching moves, according to multiple reports. Knowles coached the Buckeyes’ defense over the last two seasons and was instrumental in leading the program to a national championship this past season.

The Philadelphia native and St. Joseph’s Prep alum will become Penn State’s next defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports on Sunday. Knowles has been with Ohio State since 2022, and reportedly will be the highest-paid coordinator in college football history. The deal, according to ESPN, is worth $3.1 million over three years.