Jim Knowles Headed to Tennessee After Turbulent Penn State Stint

In one of the more intriguing defensive coordinator moves of the college football coaching carousel, Jim Knowles is leaving Penn State after just one season to join Tennessee's coaching staff, according to multiple reports. The move marks yet another chapter in the 60-year-old coordinator's distinguished career—and highlights the precarious nature of college football's coaching landscape.

A Brief and Tumultuous Stay at Penn State

Knowles arrived at Penn State with considerable fanfare, coming off a national championship run as Ohio State's defensive coordinator. James Franklin lured him to Happy Valley with a three-year contract worth $3.1 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the nation. He was supposed to be the defensive centerpiece that would elevate Penn State to elite status.

Instead, Knowles' tenure lasted barely six games. When Penn State fired Franklin after a disappointing start to the 2025 season, Knowles' future became immediately uncertain. New head coach Matt Campbell opted not to retain him, leaving Knowles in search of his next opportunity despite Penn State's respectable defensive rankings—34th nationally in yards allowed and 37th in points allowed.

According to ESPN's reporting, Tennessee moved quickly to secure Knowles' services, with a deal expected to be finalized soon. The timing works out favorably for both parties: Tennessee needs an experienced defensive mind to right the ship, and Knowles needs a landing spot that values his proven track record.

Tennessee's Defensive Struggles Prompt Change

The Volunteers' decision to part ways with Tim Banks on Monday came as a surprise to some observers, given Banks' recent success. He was a finalist for the prestigious Broyles Award—given to the nation's top assistant coach—last season and had just received a contract extension through 2027. His five-year tenure in Knoxville had featured more highs than lows.

However, the 2025 season proved disastrous for Tennessee's defense. The numbers tell a stark story: the Vols plummeted to 113th nationally in pass defense and surrendered 33 or more points seven times throughout the season. The breaking point came in the regular-season finale, when rival Vanderbilt hung 45 points on Tennessee in a humiliating loss.

For a program with championship aspirations in the ultra-competitive SEC, those defensive deficiencies simply couldn't continue. Head coach Josh Heupel's high-octane offense can put up points with anyone, but without a complementary defense, the Vols found themselves in too many shootouts they couldn't win.

Knowles' Proven Track Record

Despite the abbreviated Penn State stint, Knowles brings an impressive résumé to Knoxville. His credentials speak for themselves, highlighted by his work at Ohio State and Oklahoma State.

During his time with the Buckeyes, Knowles orchestrated one of the most dominant defensive seasons in recent memory. His 2024 defense led the entire nation in both fewest points allowed and fewest yards allowed—a remarkable achievement in an era when offensive firepower dominates college football. That unit became the backbone of Ohio State's national championship run.

Before Columbus, Knowles made his name at Oklahoma State, where he was a Broyles Award finalist in 2021. He transformed the Cowboys' defense into one of the Big 12's most formidable units, a significant accomplishment in a conference known more for offensive shootouts than defensive prowess.

His coordinator experience also includes stints at Duke and Western Michigan, and he served as Cornell's head coach from 2004 to 2009. This breadth of experience across different levels and conferences demonstrates Knowles' adaptability—a crucial trait for succeeding in the SEC's demanding environment.

What Knowles Brings to Rocky Top

Tennessee's defensive needs align well with Knowles' strengths. His defenses are typically characterized by aggressive pressure schemes, sound fundamentals, and the ability to create negative plays. At Ohio State, he implemented a multiple-front system that kept opposing offenses guessing and generated consistent pressure without always relying on blitzes.

The Vols have the talent on their roster—recruiting hasn't been the problem. What they've lacked is consistency, proper scheming, and the ability to execute in critical moments. Knowles has repeatedly shown he can maximize defensive talent and put players in positions to succeed.

His experience facing elite offenses in the Big Ten and Big 12 should translate well to the SEC, where Tennessee regularly faces offensive juggernauts like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU. The Volunteers need a coordinator who won't be overwhelmed by the conference's offensive firepower, and Knowles has proven he can design game plans to slow down the nation's best attacks.

The Bigger Picture: Coaching Carousel Chaos

Knowles' situation exemplifies the volatility of modern college football coaching. Despite being one of the nation's highest-paid assistants with a multi-year contract, he found himself without a job through no fault of his own when Penn State changed head coaches. His defense wasn't the problem—institutional decisions beyond his control determined his fate.

This reality affects coordinators across the sport. Even successful assistants like Tim Banks can find themselves out of work when defensive performance dips for a single season, regardless of previous achievements. The pressure to win immediately has never been greater, and patience has become a rare commodity in college football's hypercompetitive environment.

For Tennessee, landing a coordinator of Knowles' caliber on relatively short notice represents a significant coup. CBS Sports first reported Knowles as a potential target, and Tennessee's administration moved decisively to secure him before other programs could enter the bidding.

Looking Ahead

The expectations for Knowles in Knoxville will be substantial. Tennessee fans have watched their offense thrive under Heupel while the defense has lagged behind. They'll expect immediate improvement from a coordinator with Knowles' pedigree and salary expectations.

The good news is that Knowles has consistently delivered when given proper resources and talented players. Tennessee has both. The Volunteers' recruiting classes have featured plenty of defensive prospects with SEC-caliber talent. Now they'll have a coordinator with a proven track record of developing that talent and implementing effective schemes.

Spring practice will be crucial for Knowles to install his system and evaluate the personnel he's inherited. The transition period between coordinators can be challenging, but his extensive experience should help smooth the process.

Conclusion

Jim Knowles' move from Penn State to Tennessee represents the latest twist in a coaching career defined by consistent success despite frequent moves. For Tennessee, hiring Knowles addresses their most pressing need with a proven solution. For Knowles, it's an opportunity to rebuild his reputation after circumstances beyond his control cut short his Penn State tenure.

The 2026 season will reveal whether this match proves as successful as both parties hope. Tennessee needs to fix a defense that became a liability, and Knowles needs to demonstrate that his Ohio State success wasn't a one-time achievement. If he can restore the Volunteers' defense to respectability—or better yet, make it a strength—this hiring will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Tennessee's pursuit of SEC championships.

One thing is certain: the pressure will be immense, the expectations sky-high, and the spotlight bright. But that's exactly the environment where Jim Knowles has thrived throughout his career.