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Ohio State narrows defensive coordinator search, locks on Jim Knowles

Austin-Wardby: AustinWard_12/07/21AWardSports
Jim-Knowles-2-by-Getty
Ohio State is focusing on Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. (Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

COLUMBUS — The Ohio State defensive coordinator search has locked on a top target: Jim Knowles.

Multiple sources outside of the program in coaching circles believe the Oklahoma State assistant has already agreed to a deal in principle with the Buckeyes. The Broyles Award finalist is one of the hottest commodities in the profession this offseason, and Knowles was also expected to be a candidate at Penn State or to get a raise to stay with the Cowboys.

Multiple sources inside the Woody have indicated that nothing official has been confirmed, which is notable because Ohio State would likely need to make a corresponding move to make room for a new hire and wasn’t intending to do so before the early signing day this month. But there has also been an expectation for more than a week that Ryan Day would pursue a new leader for a defense that again failed to meet the Silver Bullets standard, including in a double-digit loss to close the regular season against Michigan.

“We’re just going to do the best we can,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said on Sunday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. “I mean, we’re always going to be evaluating and seeing what’s the best to move forward. And if there’s any updates on that, I’ll let you guys know.

“As we head into this bowl time right now, recruiting is crazy. So we’re focused on that, we’re focused on these guys, we’re focused on the bowl game right now. You know, that’s really where our focus is right now.”

The Buckeyes also have their sights set on the future, and clearly taking major strides on the defensive side of the football are a priority to get back to a championship level.

No official decision has come from Ohio State. But the focus is certainly on Jim Knowles as well.

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