Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles Expected To Be Hired By Tennessee Volunteers
In a move that’s sending ripples through the SEC, Tennessee is reportedly pulling off a major heist, snagging former Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles to fix their beleaguered defense. Let’s be honest, after the way the Vols’ defense played last season, they could’ve hired a golden retriever, and it would have felt like an upgrade. But getting a guy like Knowles? That’s a whole different level of serious.
A Rollercoaster Year For Knowles
Just a year ago, Knowles was the toast of college football. He was the mastermind behind an Ohio State defense that was stingier than a broke tourist on Broadway, leading the Buckeyes to a national championship. His defense was number one in the country, allowing a measly 12.9 points per game. That performance earned him a fat, multi-million dollar contract to jump ship to Big Ten rival Penn State.
Fast forward to now. After a disastrous 6-6 season that saw Head Coach James Franklin get the boot, Knowles is on the move again. It seems new Nittany Lions Head Coach Matt Campbell is cleaning house, and Knowles, despite his hefty price tag, is collateral damage.
Can Knowles Fix a Broken Defense?
So, what does this mean for Tennessee? Josh Heupel clearly looked at a defense that gave up points like they were free samples at Costco and said, “Enough is enough.” Firing Tim Banks was the first step; hiring Knowles is a cannonball-sized splash. Heupel is betting that a proven winner with a championship ring is exactly what the Vols need to get back on track.
But let’s pump the brakes for a second. Knowles isn’t a miracle worker, and this won’t be a walk in the park. His systems are complex and usually take a season or two to really click. His first years at both Oklahoma State and Ohio State were good, not great, before they morphed into dominant units. Plus, his last SEC gig was way back in 2003 with Ole Miss. The conference is a different beast now. He’ll need to hit the transfer portal hard, especially to patch up a secondary that was about as effective as a screen door on a submarine.
The Verdict On the Hire
Ultimately, Tennessee is gambling that giving Knowles the keys to the car and the autonomy he reportedly craved will unleash the defensive guru that won a national title. It’s a bold, aggressive move that signals the Vols are tired of being a punching bag. If Knowles can bring even a fraction of his past success to Knoxville, the rest of the SEC better watch out. If not, this could be another expensive lesson in a long line of them for Tennessee.
