STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — It took only a short period for Jim Knowles to affirm what he had anticipated when he assumed the role of defensive coordinator for Penn State a mere three months ago. Fresh from leading Ohio State’s defense to a national championship victory, Knowles believed that the Nittany Lions had the potential to achieve even greater success. After seeing their performance fall short in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Knowles was convinced he could make the difference.
Having now engaged directly with the team through 15 spring practice sessions, Knowles has no reservations about declaring that this squad, which is in search of a replacement for standout linebacker Abdul Carter, has what it takes to secure a national title. “Yes,” Knowles affirmed confidently. “Next question.”
The question remains: how much will need to change for a team that was already shining last season, ranking near the top across all defensive metrics and playing a crucial role in playoff outcomes? “I think we’ve made a lot of progress in a short time, blending new concepts with some of the old concepts,” Knowles explained. “They were very good here on defense, so we’re using what we can to try and keep things on similar terms for the players.”
Even though Penn State’s defense performed admirably, the Buckeye’s defensive stats were slightly superior. During their championship season, the defense under Knowles allowed just 12.9 points per game, the fewest yards (254.6) per game, finished second in sacks with 53, and excelled with a second-place red zone defense at 60%. Naturally, Penn State defenders were eager to make a strong first impression with their new coach, aware of the recent triumphs he orchestrated for one of their fiercest rivals.
“We’re in Year 2 on offense and what, three months on defense and it’s been really competitive out here,” Penn State’s head coach, James Franklin, noted. “So I think that’s a real positive for us to lay a really good foundation.” Knowles holds a quieter demeanor compared to his preceding coordinators — Tom Allen and Manny Diaz — who were known for their animated and intense coaching styles. Both men left significant legacies with their formidable defensive strategies, and supporters anticipate Knowles can meet and exceed those standards.
Linebacker coach Dan Connor, who joined the coaching roster as a defensive analyst in 2022 under Diaz, expressed confidence that Knowles could fill those large shoes. “Incredibly smart guy. Makes everyone around him better,” Connor stated. “You come to work and you’re on edge because you know, I have to perform my job as a coach, my players have to perform because he’s seen it done right. He’s seen the final picture.”
With Penn State’s spring training wrapping up with the Blue-White scrimmage, Knowles has proven himself to be an astute observer, cultivating a thorough understanding from watching and listening. During practices, he strategically navigates the indoor and outdoor facilities, ensuring he maintains a broad view of personnel matchups while envisioning the formation of different positional groups ahead of training camp.
“Really, just trying to pick up on their strengths and weaknesses and what they grasp,” he explained. “I try to stay out of the picture a lot in practice because I’ve scripted it all, I’ve set it all up. So now I like to watch how it all comes together. It gives me kind of a big picture feel about how they’re picking up the concepts.”
Connor also pointed out that despite Knowles’ mild-mannered approach, he is capable of delivering authority when necessary. “Every good coach I’ve been around has edge and he’s got edge,” Connor said. “The players obviously respect him for his accomplishments and respect him because he comes in here with really good schemes and super high expectations and has a high standard and that’s what guys come to Penn State for.”
Why did Jim Knowles choose Penn State after achieving success with Ohio State? Alongside the attractive financial package, the Philadelphia native was drawn by the prospect of propelling a team he admired in his youth toward the pinnacle of collegiate football.
“Penn State, for me growing up in inner-city Philly, was the epitome of college football,” Knowles shared. “I was never talented enough to make it to Penn State as a player, but given the opportunity now as a coach, it’s really where I want to be to continue my career and bring any expertise that I can to the organization.”