Penn State, Jim Knowles and James Franklin

Penn State hiring Jim Knowles from Ohio State is a major win for James Franklin
Jim Knowles landed at Penn State less than a week after helping Ohio State win the national championship. In those precious days following the College Football Playoff finale, the sought-after defensive coordinator had options from which to choose.
Jim Knowles Praises James Franklin's 'Defensive Culture' at Penn State
In a new interview, Penn State's defensive coordinator says he's going to build the No. 1 defense with the Nittany Lions.
What James Franklin, new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said about Penn State football
Penn State made the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles official on Monday. Here's what each had to say about the move
Ranking James Franklin’s best coordinator hires during his time at Penn State
Fresh from a long run to the college playoff semifinal round, James Franklin jump-started Penn State’s 2025 offseason with a splash hire. Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator on Ohio State’s 2024 national championship team, is now with the Nittany Lions.
Opinion
Penn State, James Franklin are all in for 2025 with hiring of Jim Knowles [opinion]
The 59-year-old Knowles reportedly is signing a three-year contract worth more than $9 million, which makes him the highest-paid coordinator in the country. His hiring, which became official Monday morning, is the clearest sign that Penn State and Franklin are all in for the 2025 season.
Penn State poaching Jim Knowles sends clear message: James Franklin, Nittany Lions ready to take next step
James Franklin has picked up his first win over Ohio State since 2016. Penn State poached Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles over the weekend. While Ryan Day and the Buckeyes were busy celebrating their first national title in 10 years with a party at Ohio Stadium,
Jim Knowles believes Penn State is close to winning a title. He wants to make it happen.
The Nittany Lions' new defensive coordinator opened up about leaving Ohio State for Penn State after winning a national championship — and how he thinks he can help the football team he always viewed as the sport's gold standard.
Jim Knowles Believes National Championship Is ‘So Close’ for Penn State
In a move that shocked college football fans, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles — fresh off helping Ohio State win a national championship — decided to leave the Buckeyes and take the same job with the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Jim Knowles drops truth bomb on Penn State football's title aspirations
After Penn State football added Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator comments on what his aspirations are with the team.
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Saquon Barkley gets love from Penn State head football coach James Franklin, expects 'dominant' Super Bowl
Amid NIL, recruiting, retainment, support, and much more, Penn State coach James Franklin closely follows his former players.
James Franklin Names His NFL MVP Without Hesitation
The Philadelphia Eagles — led by superstar running back Saquon Barkley — will face off against the back-to-back ...
Where did James Franklin, other coaches rank Penn State in final top 25 poll?
James Franklin, Pat Narduzzi, Mike Locksley and other coaches had different rankings for Penn State in the USA Today Coaches ...
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How did Penn State football coach James Franklin vote in final US LBM Coaches Poll ballot?
Expectations fueled by this recently-completed season that ends with Penn State having its highest ranking in nearly 20 ...
Jim Knowles zeroes in on helping Penn State reach national championship aspirations: 'That's not just talk'
The new Nittany Lions defensive coordinator spoke about his goals during the introductory press conference on Tuesday ...
USA Today29d
Penn State could mimic Michigan's College Football Playoff run, but James Franklin isn't Jim Harbaugh
Put it this way: Jim Harbaugh could win a national title with this Penn State team. What about James Franklin? Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman describes Orange Bowl opponent Penn State as ...
What to Know About Penn State Football's 2025 Recruiting Class
Coach James Franklin signed 27 players in the 2025 class, many of whom already have begun training with the Nittany Lions.
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Penn State head coach James Franklin discusses LaVar Arrington II, keeping Andrew Olesh and much more on National Signing Day
Penn State had another boring National Signing Day, but if you asked head coach James Franklin, he’d be the first to tell you ...