Ohio State Hires Jim Knowles as Next Defensive Coordinator
Oklahoma State is coming off a heart-breaking loss in the Big 12 Championship, and now they’re losing their star defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Ohio State.
According to a statement from Ohio State head Coach Ryan Day, Knowles will take over on January 2nd meaning he will remain with Oklahoma State to coach in the Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame.
Reports began circulating earlier in the day, including from Austin Ward of ON3.com, that Knowles was the primary candidate for Ohio State’s defensive coordinator vacancy. Understandably, Ohio State wants to make strides at playing strong defense again, as that has been what has kept them from winning a national title since 2014.
Gundy has said for weeks that Oklahoma State has been making a strong effort to keep Knowles, who led one of the top defenses in the country in Stillwater.
The Cowboys lead the Big 12 in scoring defense, total defense, pass defense, rush defense, sacks, opponent 1st downs and opponent 3rd downs. The Cowboys were also tops in the nation in sacks, No. 3 in total defense, and ranked in the Top 10 in scoring defense.
But now, it’s Oklahoma State who is on the search for a new defensive coordinator who will have huge shoes to fill in Jim Knowles.
