Jim Knowles understands the draw to be a head coach. In fact, Ohio State’s defensive coordinator recently received interest from Duke for the head coaching opening with the Blue Devils.

Ultimately, Knowles is back in Columbus and returns to a unit that saw major strides this season. While at his Cotton Bowl presser on Tuesday, Knowles fielded questions and was asked about a potential desire to be a head coach.

Knowles admitted he understands the question in relation to his age. However, he reiterated his current opportunity with the Buckeyes is one he worked his entire career to achieve.

“I’m not going to talk about that job so to speak but it’s a good question when you reach my age, I guess. But, really worked my whole career to get to a place where you’re expected to win all the time, where you’re given the resources, where you have a shot to play for the national championship every year,” said Knowles. “That’s kind of a career arc for me.”

The longtime DC indicated he’s certainly grateful to be considered for a head coaching job, but he’s in a position where he has to judge the benefits of being a head coach against serving as a prominent DC at one of the best locations in America.

“Any of those opportunities, while you’re always grateful, I try to look at it from you know, this is where I always worked to be, you know? And you have to judge that against the benefits of being a head coach vs. being at a place that’s top-5 premier all the time with high expectations and talent,” Knowles admitted. “I mean, that’s — from where I started to get here, I don’t take that lightly. That’s not something you leave easily for any job. Head coach or not.”

For now, Knowles sounds content with where he’s at and continued to speak glowingly of Ohio State and Ryan Day’s program:

“I see myself as being at the best place right now, so I have to always look at that and say, why would I want to go anywhere else? Ohio State is the top of the top… Once you get to a place where winning is expected, it’s a purpose-driven program with a great head coach with the chance to run the defense,” Knowles said. “I mean, I couldn’t imagine anything better when I was a young coach.”