Top 5 Ohio State defensive coordinator candidates for 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio (BVM) – The Ohio State Buckeyes are searching for a new defensive coordinator just a week after winning the program’s ninth national championship following Jim Knowles’ departure to Penn State.
Knowles is widely regarded as one of the top defensive coordinators in the country and reportedly signed a three-year contract with the Nittany Lions that will average $3.1 million per year.
Sources: Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is finalizing a three-year deal to become the new defensive coordinator at Penn State. It averages $3.1 million over three years. pic.twitter.com/fdI7ajMx4o
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 26, 2025
The 59-year-old had been with the Buckeyes since 2022 and led the country’s top-ranked scoring defense and total defense this past season. Knowles’ move to one of Ohio State’s Big Ten rivals has created a unique situation in Columbus, as he is the first primary coordinator for the Buckeyes to voluntarily leave for another college assistant job in two decades.
While Knowles’ loss could be impactful, Ryan Day should have several intriguing options to replace him in what is arguably the top coordinator opening currently. Here are five candidates to become Ohio State’s next defensive coordinator.
