Jim Knowles not being retained at Penn State by Matt Campbell

Penn State head coach Matt Campbell will not retain defensive coordinator Jim Knowles on his Nittany Lions’ staff, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. Knowles could potentially replace fired Tennessee DC Tim Banks in Knoxville.

Not only that, Knowles has been linked to Kentucky, according to Nakos. Knowles won a national title with Ohio State in 2024 before taking the job as Penn State DC under James Franklin ahead of the 2025 season.

It was an interesting saga regarding Knowles. He was a big difference maker for the Buckeyes last season, coaching up the defense. But he spoke back in May about “awkward” moments that led him to State College. Knowles was eventually replaced by Matt Patricia, who’s had continued success with Ohio State’s defense in 2025.

Knowles revealed to ESPN that the reason for his quick departure came due to the timing of a contract extension offer from Ohio State. He wanted to get a deal done prior to the national championship and said he “would not have explored or considered other options” if the Buckeyes had offered him one.

But the offer never came and Knowles said it created an “awkward” situation for him. He did what he thought was best for himself, making the call to Franklin.

“I did not want to put anyone, including myself, in a position to have to deal with it immediately following the national championship game,” he said. “And that’s the way it happened. …Season’s over, everything coming to a head again quickly. Ohio State hasn’t come forward with a deal, and it’s like, OK, if I’m going to act on this or at least explore it, I have got to make the call.”

Word broke that Knowles, a Pennsylvania native, had reached out to the Nittany Lions. Ohio State responded by asking him not to attend the championship celebration parade on Jan. 26. At the time, Knowles said he was still considering his options.

Knowles was announced as the Penn State defensive coordinator just one day after Ohio State held its celebration. Both Buckeyes coach Ryan Day and athletic director Ross Bjork reportedly declined to speak with ESPN about Knowles’ contract for the story.