Jim Knowles did not put an end to rumors that he would become the next defensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Knowles is the current defensive coordinator at Ohio State, and his defense is a big reason why the Buckeyes will face Notre Dame for the national title on Monday night. During that College Football Playoff run, Knowles’ name was raised as a possible candidate to become OU’s new defensive coordinator once the postseason ended.
Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports and 247Sports asked Knowles about the allegations for the first time on Saturday, during media day for the national championship game. And Knowles certainly did not deny anything.
“I’m only focused on beating Notre Dame,” Knowles stated. “These things happen, I suppose, when you’re successful; guys make plays. My objective is to place them in the best possible situation. These things come up when you do effectively.”
This season, the Buckeyes have had one of the greatest defenses in the country, which appears to be a trend under Knowles. Statistically, Ohio State had the strongest defense in all of FBS this season, allowing only 12.2 points and 251.1 yards per game, including three College Football Playoff games against some of the country’s finest teams.
Defenses have been successful everywhere under Knowles, not only Colombus. He previously served as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State for four seasons. In 2021, the Cowboys had one of the strongest defenses in program history, which helped them defeat Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. Following that, Knowles left for Ohio State.
Zac Alley, who departed OU after only one season to become the defensive coordinator and associate head coach at West Virginia, ignited Knowles’ probable return to Oklahoma. The transfer came with a significant pay boost and the opportunity to work with his former boss, Rich Rodriguez.
