Here are three potential options who could fill the Ohio State Buckeyes' defensive coordinator vacancy in 2025.

The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported.

Penn State is nearing an agreement with Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to take the same position on the Nittany Lions coaching staff,

Ohio State appears to be on the verge of losing its defensive coordinator to a Big Ten rival. According to multiple reports, Jim Knowles is finalizing a three-year contract to become the coordinator at Penn State with an average annual salary of $3.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is finalizing a three-year deal to become the new defensive coordinator at Penn State, according to multiple reports.

After Michigan football ran, ran again, and ran some more against rival Ohio State in 2021, Ryan Day recognized that he needed to make something of a drastic change. Out was longtime OSU staffer Kerry Coombs as the defensive coordinator, and in was Oklahoma State DC Jim Knowles.

Jim Knowles is expected to take the same position at Penn State, as first reported by Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger. The two sides are finalizing a three-year deal reportedly worth $3.1 million per season, making him the first college football coordinator to earn an annual salary of at least $3 million.

Ohio State has made Jim Knowles a contract extension offer that would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator.

Jim Knowles is expected to take the same position at Penn State, as first reported by Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger. The two sides are finalizing a three-year deal reportedly worth $3.1 million per season, making him the first college football coordinator to earn an annual salary of at least $3 million.