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Jim Knowles is leaving one OSU for another.
On Tuesday evening, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day announced that Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was offered, and accepted, a position on the staff in Columbus. He will be the new DC for the Buckeyes.
In order to create room to add Knowles, Ohio State will need to part ways with one assistant coach. It has not been revealed who that will be at the time of the report.
Day issued a statement on Tuesday:
Ohio State’s Ryan Day announces Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has accepted the same position at Ohio State pic.twitter.com/3U85fwuxM9
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) December 7, 2021
Under Knowles, Oklahoma State’s defense finished 8th nationally in points allowed per game with 18.8, and 3rd nationally in yards allowed per game with 273.6.
Oklahoma State led the Big 12 in scoring defense, run defense, pass defense, total defense, tackles for loss and sacks. The Cowboys also ranked second in opponent red zone touchdown percentage and forced turnovers.
Last season, Ohio State’s defense struggled, particularly in losses to Oregon and Michigan. The Buckeyes also had some issues with Purdue’s passing attack, even in a 59-31 win.
This is a big move for the Buckeyes, and one that could potentially put the team back in the catbird seat in the B1G East.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB