The Dispatch was informed by a source that Ohio State has extended an offer to Jim Knowles that would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football.
With $2.5 million, Michigan’s Wink Martindale was the highest-paid defensive coordinator in 2024. Next year, he is expected to earn $2.75 million under his deal.
Last January, Knowles signed a three-year contract extension that includes a $2.2 million basic pay with the possibility of yearly raises. Contract expiration date: January 31, 2027.
Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes, speaks to the media just after the team landed in Dallas on January 8, 2025, for the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal.
Knowles led a defense that helped Ohio State defeat Notre Dame 34-23 in the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday, securing the national championship. He received $770,000 in bonus money for that.
In the majority of important measures, such as points per game (12.2) and yards allowed (251.1 per game), the Buckeyes’ defense was ranked #1 in college football.
Rumors circulated that Oklahoma was interested in Knowles even before to the championship game. Prior to being hired by Ohio State coach Ryan Day in 2022 to improve the Buckeyes’ faltering defense, Knowles was a coach at Oklahoma State.
After the game, Knowles told The Dispatch, “I’m coaching at Ohio State,” in response to a question regarding his future.
According to reports, Knowles is also being pursued by Penn State. A week ago, Tom Allen, the coordinator for the Nittany Lions, departed for Clemson.
