Former Ohio State defensive coordinator said in an address to Penn State players that the Nittany Lions were 'everything' to him growing up

Knowles will make Penn State's defense one of the best in the country, but his addition might help the offense too.

Jim Knowles, Penn State's new defensive coordinator, brought his Penn State football history and some Philly ethos to his first meeting with the Nittany Lions. Knowles, whom Penn State hired away from Ohio State, introduced himself to the team this week, telling players and fellow coaches, "This is where I want to be."

Knowles wasn't just taking off for anywhere, either. He was leaving to accept the same job with the Penn State Nittany Lions — a Big Ten Conference rival. While at face value th

Today, we’re talking about the offseason’s early winner, Brian Kelly’s do-or-die year at LSU and changes to the College Football Playoff. Let’s go:

Penn State signee and St. Joseph's Prep star Cam Smith spoke to PennLive about the Nittany Lions hiring Jim Knowles from Ohio State.

In hiring Jim Knowles, Penn State followed the adage: If you can't beat them, turn them to your side. While everyone in college football is already talking about Penn State's new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, it's possible that not everyone is realizing how much his betrayal of Ohio State benefits his new club.

Penn State has lured Tom Knowles away from Ohio State. The Nittany Lions have hired Knowles to serve as their defensive coordinator.

CBS Sports reports that Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is leaving the Buckeyes to join James Franklin's staff at Penn State. Knowles is expected to be paid an average of $3.1 million over three years, according to ESPN . During Knowles' time at Ohio State, the Buckeyes ranked in the top three in total defense for two of those years.

Penn State hired Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, a Philadelphia native and St. Joe's Prep graduate.