After Ohio State’s national championship victory, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles made a surprising decision to leave for Penn State, taking the same position at a rival school. While this move raised eyebrows, it wasn’t a complete shock to the Buckeyes coaching staff, given the tension between Knowles and head coach Ryan Day earlier in the season.
Ohio State defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau had affectionately dubbed Knowles “Batman,” noting how he kept to himself and surprised everyone with his game plans. However, Knowles prefers to work independently, and when Day began getting more involved with the defense, particularly after the team’s loss to Oregon, it didn’t sit well with Knowles.
Despite transforming Ohio State’s defense into a championship-caliber unit in just three years, Knowles reached his limit with Day’s increasing interference. Day had started attending defensive meetings more frequently and requesting changes to the scheme midseason. While Day allowed offensive coordinator Chip Kelly the freedom to run the offense, he decided to focus more on the defense, leading to more friction with Knowles.
Knowles also had to adjust to a new defensive scheme in Columbus. While he had utilized a three-man front at his previous coaching stops, Ohio State favored a four-man front, a change Day highlighted in October, explaining that the Buckeyes had the depth in their defensive line to support this style.
