Jim Knowles made college football history over the weekend, becoming the highest paid defensive coordinator ever when he jumped from Ohio State to Penn State for a salary that will reportedly top $3 million per year.

Here’s a round-up of the latest news pertinent to Ohio State’s defensive coordinator search. Former Wisconsin defensive coordinator — and interim head coach (2022) — Jim Leonhard seems to be staying put in the NFL.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left the Buckeyes program in a surprising turn of events, accepting the same job with the Penn State Nittany Lions

The Irish, fresh off losing a national title game to the Buckeyes, reportedly hired defensive coordinator Chris Ash on Wednesday. The deal is expected to be finalized shortly.

As Ryan Day looks to hire his fourth defensive coordinator in seven seasons, here are potential candidates to replace Jim Knowles.

Knowles, a Philadelphia native with strong ties to the Northeast, transformed the Buckeyes' defense during an impressive three-year stint. Ohio State ranked top three in total defense each of the past two seasons and led the nation by holding opponents to 254.6 yards per game and 4.2 yards per play during a historic campaign.

Ohio State football fans weren’t able to bathe in the afterglow for too long after the glorious national championship victory as defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is officially out the door. What makes this departure even more depressing is the fact that he is heading to State College,

Ohio State’s national title celebration was missing a notable face on Sunday, as Buckeye Nation shortly learned that defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was leaving Columbus to take the same position at Penn State.