Penn State is nearing an agreement with Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to take the same position on the Nittany Lions coaching staff,

The Penn State Nittany Lions are planning to hire Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles for the same position, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Knowles, a Philadelphia native, is coming off a National Championship win over Notre Dame with the Buckeyes and will replace Tom Allen,

The Philadelphia native and St. Joseph’s Prep alum will become Penn State’s next defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports on Sunday. Knowles has been with Ohio State since 2022, and reportedly will be the highest-paid coordinator in college football history. The deal, according to ESPN, is worth $3.1 million over three years.