FILE - Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles shouts to his team during an NCAA college spring football game Saturday, April 16, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. Coordinator Kerry Coombs was fired and Jim Knowles, who excelled as Oklahoma State's coordinator, was hired and began installing a 4-2-5 scheme. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)

Franklin welcomes Knowles with $3.1 million salary

From Mirror reports

Penn State this morning confirmed the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who most recently coached at rival Ohio State.

“Join me in welcoming Jim Knowles back to his home in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the defensive coordinator of Penn State Football,” James Franklin said in a press release. “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.”

Penn State’s Board of Trustees met this morning to approve Knowles’ salary, which will be $3.1 annually for three years — making Knowles the highest-paid assistant coach in college football.

Knowles, 59, spent the last three years at Ohio State after previously serving as DC at Oklahoma State from 2018-21. He was the defensive coordinator at Duke from 2010-17 and also did stints at Ole Miss, along with Ole Miss, Western Michigan and Cornell, his alma mater.

Knowles has roots in Pennsylvania, having attended high school at St. Joe’s Prep.

The Penn State position became open after Tom Allen accepted the defensive coordinator job at Clemson after one season in Happy Valley.

The Mirror will have more on Knowles’ hiring in Tuesday’s print edition.