Ohio State DC Jim Knowles responds to major speculation about him leaving Columbus after National Championship
Ohio State’s run to the National Championship has been a special one and one more win would cap off the Buckeyes’ first title in a decade. The Buckeyes have gotten a strong showing from both the offense and defense throughout the playoff. Ohio State’s defense specifically has stepped up in a big way as you […]
Ohio State’s run to the National Championship has been a special one and one more win would cap off the Buckeyes’ first title in a decade.
The Buckeyes have gotten a strong showing from both the offense and defense throughout the playoff. Ohio State’s defense specifically has stepped up in a big way as you would expect from the No. 1 unit in the country.
As Ohio State’s defense has been playing well, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has been rumored to be the top target for the same position at Oklahoma.
On Saturday, Knowles was asked about the rumor and addressed it as you would expect with the National Championship against Notre Dame approaching.
“Beat Notre Dame, that's all I'm focused on," Knowles said. "These things happen, I guess, when you have success, players are making plays. My job is to put them in the best position. These things come up when you do well.”
It is no surprise that Knowles is the top target for Oklahoma HC Brent Venables to call his defense. In his third year at Ohio State, Knowles is coaching the No. 1 defense in the country in scoring (12.2 points per game) and total defense (251.1 yards per game). Ohio State’s defense has improved each step of the way under Knowles and this season they have really taken off.
Knowles would be a big loss for the Buckeyes and the Sooners would have to come in with a salary higher than $2.2 million a year likely. Before arriving at Ohio State, Knowles was defensive coordinator for four seasons at Oklahoma State.
Ohio State in the end may have to come in with a pay raise if they want to keep Knowles. Either way, a decision on this won’t come until after the National Championship. Ohio State has all of its focus on Notre Dame and the crucial game in front of them.
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