Jim Knowles gave Ohio State one reason not to celebrate during Sunday's championship parade. According to multiple reports, Knowles is leaving the Buckeyes for a Big Ten rival. Penn State is expected to hire Knowles with a contract that will make him the nation's highest-paid defensive coordinator.

The Philadelphia native and St. Joseph’s Prep alum will become Penn State’s next defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports on Sunday. Knowles has been with Ohio State since 2022, and reportedly will be the highest-paid coordinator in college football history. The deal, according to ESPN, is worth $3.1 million over three years.

Ohio State's Jim Knowles is finalizing a 3-year deal with Penn State to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football, sources told ESPN.