OU Eyes Ohio State’s Jim Knowles for Defensive Coordinator Role

NORMAN, Okla. — As Ohio State prepares to face Notre Dame in the national championship game Monday, Oklahoma fans are closely watching Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who has emerged as a top candidate for the Sooners’ vacant defensive coordinator position.

Knowles, a defensive mastermind who has revitalized programs at Oklahoma State and Ohio State, has not denied rumors linking him to OU. “Just trying to beat Notre Dame,” Knowles told On3 when asked about potential job opportunities. “That’s all I’m focused on [Monday].”

Oklahoma’s interest in Knowles is no secret. The Sooners are seeking a replacement for Ted Roof, who left for West Virginia after one season. Knowles, who has led Ohio State to the nation’s top-ranked defense, is seen as an ideal fit for OU’s defensive scheme under head coach Brent Venables.

“Oklahoma is going to have to pay up, make no mistake about it,” said George Stoia, a reporter for SoonerScoop. “Maybe make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the country.”

Knowles, 59, is currently the third-highest-paid assistant in college football, earning $2.2 million annually at Ohio State. However, a lucrative offer from OU could sway him, especially given his personal ties to Oklahoma. Knowles recently became engaged to a woman with roots in the Oklahoma City metro area.

“Family, personal connections,” Stoia added. “He is somebody, from my understanding, that loves a new challenge.”

Despite the allure of a return to the Sooner State, Knowles faces a significant decision. At Ohio State, he enjoys full autonomy over the defense under head coach Ryan Day. At OU, he would share responsibilities with Venables, a defensive-minded head coach with a hands-on approach.

“At OU, Knowles would be more in a power-sharing coalition,” said Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman. “Venables’ fingerprints are all over the defense, but his hands are still on it, too.”

For now, the waiting game continues. Once the national championship concludes, all eyes will be on Knowles and whether he makes the leap to Norman. “As of right now? I think it’s just a wait-and-see,” Stoia said. “Let’s get to the national championship game, get that behind us, and see what happens.”