Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles of the Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Faces Major Staff Departures, Jim Knowles’ Comments Add Fuel to Penn State Rivalry
The Ohio State Buckeyes have kicked off their offseason with a string of significant departures, losing key members of their coaching staff fresh off a national championship victory. Most notably, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles opted to leave Columbus, dealing a major blow to the Buckeyes’ defensive future.
Knowles’ departure alone was a tough pill to swallow, but the losses didn’t stop there. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and offensive line coach Justin Frye also moved on, leaving Ohio State to fill three crucial coaching vacancies. Losing such integral pieces of the staff following a championship run is never easy, but Knowles’ exit stings the most—especially given his new destination.
Knowles Joins a Big Ten Rival, Takes a Jab at Ohio State
Not only did Knowles leave Ohio State, but he also joined a direct Big Ten competitor, the Penn State Nittany Lions. This move ensures that Knowles will now be coaching against the Buckeyes in the years to come, adding extra tension to an already fierce conference rivalry.
During his introductory press conference as Penn State’s new defensive coordinator, Knowles made a statement that many in Columbus have interpreted as a veiled slight at his former team.
“Penn State for me, growing up in inner-city Philly, was the epitome of college football,” Knowles remarked. “To do it now as a coach, it’s really where I want to be to continue my career.”
While Knowles may not have intended his words to be taken as a direct insult, Ohio State fans and players have certainly viewed them that way. His comment sparked reactions on social media, with many questioning his loyalty to a program that just helped him win a national title.
Jim Knowles on the decision to come to Penn State:
“Penn State for me, growing up in inner city Philly, was the epitome of college football.“
“To do it now as a coach, it’s really where I want to be to continue my career.” pic.twitter.com/HaesZERuS1
— Lyle Alenstein (@LAlenstein) February 4, 2025
Buckeyes Already Circling November 1 on Their Calendar
One of the most notable responses to Knowles’ departure came from incoming freshman defensive back Devin Sanchez. Shortly after Knowles’ comments went public, Sanchez took to social media with a simple, yet pointed message: the date of Ohio State’s matchup against Penn State—November 1.
This subtle but clear response indicates that Ohio State players are already fired up to face their former defensive coordinator. The move to Penn State may have burned some bridges in Columbus, and there’s little doubt that emotions will be running high when the Buckeyes take the field against Knowles and the Nittany Lions next season.
The Stage is Set for an Intense 2025 Matchup
While coaching changes are a natural part of college football, the circumstances surrounding Knowles’ exit have added even more intrigue to the upcoming season. The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions already have one of the most competitive rivalries in the Big Ten, and this storyline only raises the stakes for their 2025 showdown.
Ohio State will undoubtedly look to make a statement against their former defensive leader, while Knowles will aim to prove that his decision to join Penn State was the right one. Whether this move ultimately strengthens or weakens either program remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the battle on November 1 just got a whole lot more personal.
