Jim Knowles has reshaped the Ohio State defense in his three years in Columbus, with 2024 marking the culmination. The Buckeyes rank No. 1 in team defense, allowing 251.1 yards and just 12.2 points. After forcing a goal-line stand in the Cotton Bowl, they’ll have a shot to win the program’s first national title in a decade on Monday night.
Knowles was previously the Oklahoma State defensive coordinator and has head coaching stints at Duke and Cornell. In recent weeks, his name has been tied to the Oklahoma defensive coordinator opening.
“Just trying to beat Notre Dame,” Knowles told On3 when asked about his name being floated for other jobs.
Brent Venables has a hole to fill with Zac Alley’s decision to take the West Virginia job after only one season. Running a 4-2-5 defensive scheme, he could take the reins of Venables’ defense, allowing Venables to become more of a CEO head coach. That was the original plan when Oklahoma hired Alley a year ago.
But for now, Knowles’ focus is on beating Notre Dame on Monday night.
“That’s all I’m focused on [Monday],” he said. “You are right, these things happen, I guess, when you have success. And players are making plays, and my job is to put them in the best position.”
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