Overview

• Jim Knowles revealed that contract extension disputes with Ohio State were a major factor in his departure for Penn State.
• Ohio State’s request for Knowles to skip the team’s national championship celebration further strained relations, according to his account.
• Knowles accepted a three-year, $3.1 million annual offer from Penn State, significantly higher than Ohio State’s proposal.
• Despite leading Ohio State’s top-ranked defense in 2024, Knowles described internal criticism after an October loss to Oregon as a challenging moment.
• Neither Ohio State head coach Ryan Day nor athletic director Ross Bjork has commented publicly on Knowles’ departure.