What Jim Knowles hiring could potentially mean for Buckeyes defense

COLUMBUS — Changes are coming to the Ohio State defensive coaching staff this offseason.

But the biggest change may already be in the works.

The Buckeyes are nearing a deal for a new defensive coordinator, one with an extensive history and an impressive resume. Multiple sources outside of the Ohio State program in coaching circles believe Oklahoma State defensive coordinator and Broyles Award finalist Jim Knowles has already agreed to a deal in principle with the Buckeyes.

One of the hottest commodities in the profession this offseason, Knowles was also expected to be a candidate at Penn State or to get a raise to stay with the Cowboys. But instead, it seems he will be coming to lead the Buckeyes defense into a new direction.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day wasn’t ready to relay any potential coaching news during his Sunday press conference, even as coaching rumors began to heat up.

“We’re just going to do the best we can,” Day said. “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.”

But the move seemingly can’t wait much longer, especially with other top programs after Knowles.

Lettermen Row’s Austin Ward and Spencer Holbrook take a deep dive into what Knowles could bring to the Ohio State coaching staff, what it means for defensive recruiting, how the Buckeyes can capitalize on his hiring once it is made official.

They are back in the latest Rapid Reaction presented by Byers Auto, to give a sense of what it all means. You won’t want to miss that analysis in the video below.