Sooners defensive coordinator target Jim Knowles accepts job at Penn State

Jim Knowles, the reigning national champion defensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes and a target for the Sooners' open DC position under Brent Venables, has reportedly accepted a job at Penn State.

Griffin Media's Toby Rowland broke the news Sunday that Knowles, the former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator from 2018-2021, is staying in the Big Ten and going to Happy Valley with James Franklin.

"Reliable sources confirm that barring last second change of heart, Jim Knowles is headed to Penn State. He has notified James Franklin that he’ll accept their offer of well over $3 million to be highest paid coordinator in college football history. Knowles is from Philly."

Knowles is expected to sign a three-year deal averaging $3.1 million per season, making him the highest-paid defensive coordinator, according to ESPN.

Knowles was a top candidate to replace Zac Alley as OU's defensive coordinator in 2025. Oklahoma hired Washington State's Ben Arbuckle as offensive coordinator in December to replace Seth Littrell.

He brought with him the top quarterback in the Transfer Portal, John Mateer, with him to Norman to take over for Jackson Arnold, who is now on the Auburn Tigers.

Oklahoma opens the season on Saturday, Aug. 30, against Illinois State. The Sooners don't travel on the road in conference until Oct. 18th against South Carolina.