In a notable development within the Penn State football program, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is set to leave the team after just one season, according to multiple sources including BWI’s Nate Bauer and On3’s Pete Nakos. Reports indicate that Knowles will not continue under new head coach Matt Campbell, who has taken over following the previous leadership regime.
Knowles originally joined the Nittany Lions after leaving his position at Ohio State, lured by the opportunity to be part of James Franklin’s coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season. At that time, he signed a contract that still has two years remaining. The financial implications of his departure are yet to be defined, particularly in terms of any potential buyout that Penn State might owe him.
There are speculations that Campbell could bring along his former defensive coordinator from Iowa State, Jon Heacock, although it remains unclear if he would assume the same role at Penn State.
In an update reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, negotiations for Knowles’ buyout are currently underway. It is estimated that Penn State may owe him more than $7 million for the remaining two years of his contract. Knowles appears poised to transition to a new role as the defensive coordinator for Tennessee, which adds an intriguing twist to the unfolding coaching landscape.
Reflecting on his time at Ohio State, Knowles expressed gratitude for the opportunities he was given, especially under head coach Ryan Day. He noted the success of the Ohio State defense, which ranked as the best in the country and celebrated a national championship. “You reach a point in your career where you’re given opportunities based on past performance,” Knowles remarked, highlighting his aspiration to contribute his expertise to Penn State, a program he held in high regard since his childhood in inner-city Philadelphia.
The performance of Knowles’ defense during the 2025 season was mixed, with a complicated scheme that seemed to pose challenges for players. While there were improvements in the latter half of the season, the overall statistics were less than stellar—37th in scoring defense, with rankings of 34th in total defense, 72nd in rushing defense, and 22nd in passing defense. The Nittany Lions also struggled to exert pressure, finishing 40th in sacks and 94th in turnovers gained. Furthermore, defensively, they ranked 95th in third-down conversions, indicating challenges in critical game situations.
With Campbell now at the helm, the future of Penn State football, including potential staff changes and recruitment strategies, is eagerly anticipated. Fans and analysts alike are closely monitoring developments as the program enters a new chapter.
