Jim Knowles Reveals Why He Left Ohio State Buckeyes for Penn State in D.C.

During their championship campaign last year, The Ohio State Buckeyes performed impressively on both offense and defense.

Ohio State’s defense, in particular, locked in after the opening game against the Oregon Ducks. Jim Knowles’ unit stepped up in a big way, and the Buckeyes boasted the top defense in the country.

So it was shocking to see Knowles leave for Penn State to take the same position as defensive coordinator after such a dominant season . During the College Football Playoff run, Knowles approached Ohio State about a new contract, stating that he didn’t want to deal with negotiations immediately after the season ended.

I didn’t want to place anyone, including myself, in a situation where they would have to address this right after the national championship game, Knowles told ESPN in an interview. And that's how it occurred.

Ohio State chose not to discuss a new contract during their College Football Playoff journey but intended to resume negotiations after it concluded. Nonetheless, after winning the National Championship, Knowles contacted Penn State. Upon learning about this, the Ohio State coaching staff requested that Knowles remain at home for the championship parade in Columbus.

Perhaps I'll settle for fewer opportunities since Ohio State is an excellent institution," Knowles stated. "However, they invited me not to attend the parade. At this point, you think, 'Honestly, the writing is on the wall.'

Now things have changed. There's always something happening externally, but now it has also shifted internally. I haven't really decided anything, yet somehow you get this feeling—not that I'm unwelcome—but more like, okay, now things have turned uncomfortable.

Knowles sensed that things were coming to a head when he was left out of the parade. It might be because the leaders took issue with his interaction with a Big Ten opponent.

Ultimately, Knowles went back to his hometown of Pennsylvania, where he was offered a substantial salary increase. These elements were crucial in his choice to become part of James Franklin’s team. Ohio State identified their successor with Matt Patricia. And both parties have progressed.

Related: Eddie George lands Ohio State transfer in the spring portal window to give Bowling Green another former Buckeye