You can have the Newsbeat regularly delivered to your mailbox so you never miss any news. This is a free service -- you can unsubscribe any time. Enter your email address and click the submit button; then confirm your subscription from your email.

Jim Knowles returns home to Pennsylvania as Penn State’s Defensive Coordinator

Penn State Football made a splash on Monday morning with the announcement of Jim Knowles as its new defensive coordinator, bringing one of the nation’s top defensive minds back to his home state. Head Coach James Franklin confirmed the hire, praising Knowles’ strategic acumen and commitment to excellence.

“Join me in welcoming Jim Knowles back to his home in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Franklin said. “He’s a strong strategist and excellent defensive mind. 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.”

0 7

Knowles, a Philadelphia native, and St. Joseph’s Prep alum joins the Nittany Lions after three seasons at Ohio State, where he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024. His defense ranked first nationally in total defense and scoring defense, cementing his reputation as one of the top defensive coordinators in college football.

“I am excited for this opportunity to join Penn State Football,” Knowles said. “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.”

With 37 years of coaching experience, including stops at Oklahoma State, Duke, and Cornell as a head coach, Knowles brings a wealth of knowledge to a Penn State program eager to return to national title contention. His hire is a bold move, signaling Penn State’s commitment to defensive excellence in the Big Ten and beyond.

Knowles’ return to Pennsylvania is more than just a homecoming—it’s a statement. The Nittany Lions feel they are ready to take the next step, with many college football sources listing them as contenders for a national championship.

Source: psu.org

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x