Ohio State appears to be on the verge of losing its defensive coordinator to a Big Ten rival. According to multiple reports, Jim Knowles is finalizing a three-year contract to become the coordinator at Penn State with an average annual salary of $3.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s national title defense will come with a new face running the defense. The Buckeyes are losing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. After three seasons in Columbus, he’s leaving to serve as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.

Penn State’s search for a new defensive coordinator appears to be coming to a close. On Sunday afternoon, multiple reports surfaced suggesting Penn State is finalizing the contract with Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to continue in the same position with the Nittany Lions,

The former Ohio State and Oklahoma State defensive coordinator has reportedly accepted a job at Penn State, according to Griffin Media's Toby Rowland.

Penn State Nittany Lions coach James Franklin seeks to make a bold move by hiring Jim Knowles, the architect of the Ohio State Buckeyes' championship defense.