Knowles left Ohio State to join James Franklin’s Nittany Lions staff prior to the 2025 season. There were still two years left on the deal he signed at that time. It is unclear how much the school will owe him in terms of the buyout. Campbell could bring in his former Iowa State defensive coordinator, John HeacockWith him till Government College. However, even if he does, it’s unclear whether he’ll fill the same role with the Lions.
Update: According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Knowles is negotiating his buyout with Penn State, and is expected to replace Tim Banks as Tennessee defensive coordinator. Thamel says: “Penn State is owed more than $7 million over the two years remaining on his deal, per his contract.”
“I am grateful for my time at Ohio State and the opportunity Coach Day has given me,” Knowles said last February. “We had the No. 1 defense in the country, we won a national championship. We had a great relationship with the players and coach (Ryan) Day and the administration, we felt supported.
“You get to a point in your career where you’re given opportunities based on past performance. Penn State, for me growing up in inner city Philly, was the epitome of college football. I was never talented enough to make it to Penn State as a player, but now given the opportunity to do so as a coach, it’s really where I want to continue my career and bring whatever expertise I can to the organization.”
The Noles defense had an up and down season in 2025. It took longer than anyone expected for the players to learn his complex scheme. The group played better in the second half of the season, but not great. All told, his first and only Penn State unit finished 37th in scoring defense and 34th overall, 34th, 72nd and 22nd in rushing and pass defense, respectively. The Lions were 40th in sacks and 94th in turnovers this fall. Going down the field on third down was also a problem. The PSU is ranked 95th in that category.
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