Former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said he was grateful for his three years at OSU, but the pull of his home state lured him away.

Jim Knowles may have something up his sleeve next season when he takes over as Penn State's defensive coordinator.

Already boasting the largest salary among college football assistants, Knowles' contract allows him to hit astronomical numbers

Penn State announced Monday it had hired Jim Knowles as its defensive coordinator. According to multiple reports, Knowles reached a three-year contract with an average annual salary of $3.1 million. Knowles is a Philadelphia native. In a statement, Knowles said he was "excited for this opportunity" to join the Nittany Lions' program.

Knowles would join James Franklin's Penn State staff after three seasons at Ohio State, where he won a national championship.

Fresh off a national championship run with Ohio State, Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has accepted the same position at Big Ten rival Penn State. Knowles is expected to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the history of college football with a salary range averaging $3.

Penn State’s new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles met the media for the first time Tuesday for the first time since signing his contract last week. Knowles talked about leaving Ohio State after a National Championship, the 2025 potential for the Nittany Lions and even growing up in Philadelphia.

The former Ohio State and Oklahoma State defensive coordinator has accepted a job at Penn State, according to Griffin Media's Toby Rowland.

CBS Sports reports that Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is leaving the Buckeyes to join James Franklin's staff at Penn State. Knowles is expected to be paid an average of $3.1 million over three years, according to ESPN . During Knowles' time at Ohio State, the Buckeyes ranked in the top three in total defense for two of those years.

Penn State's new defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, made his first public appearance as the Nittany Lions' DC. A few new additions to Knowles' defensive staff were announced the next day, notably a Penn State alum and current FCS head coach.