Former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will be with his third program in as many seasons, as Tennessee is reportedly hiring him to coordinate its defense.

Penn State and now-fired coach James Franklin brought Knowles to Happy Valley this offseason on a deal worth more than $3 million annually. It was a dogged pursuit, having to pry him away from Ohio State after a national championship. He was with the Buckeyes for three years.

Current Penn State and former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles found out his fate in college football for the 2026 season.

Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is negotiating his buyout and heading to Tennessee. ESPN’s Pete Thamel broke the news Wednesday afternoon that the Volunteers have targeted Knowles to replace Tim Banks,

The Penn State Nittany Lions are reportedly losing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to an intriguing SEC program.

Matt Campbell didn't waste time putting his stamp on Penn State football. Within days of being introduced as the program's new head coach, Campbell made his first defining staff decision: Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will not be retained.