Ohio State is working to sign defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to a contract extension that would make him the highest-paid defensive assistant in college football, according to multiple reports.
On3’s Andy Staples first reported Ohio State’s push to keep Knowles in Columbus on Saturday morning. The Columbus Dispatch’s Bill Rabinowitz corroborated that report.
Knowles was a huge piece of Ohio State‘s national championship-winning team this past season. Per Game on Paper, Ohio State ranked third nationally in opponent-adjusted EPA per play allowed. He was hired away from Oklahoma State after the 2021 season and made a reported $2.2 million this season.
Suitors are circling. FootballScoop reported earlier this week that multiple programs were prepared to offer more than $3 million annually to poach Knowles. Oklahoma has long been rumored as a threat to hire Knowles away from the Buckeyes. Penn State and Notre Dame were linked to him on Friday.
FootballScoop previously characterized the situation as “complicated” and indicated a timeline for a final decision is uncertain.
LSU’s Blake Baker led all FBS assistants in 2024 with a $2.5 million-per-year salary, per USA Today’s coaching database. Michigan’s Wink Martindale made $2.3 million. Knowles was the third-highest-paid assistant. According to Staples, Martindale’s deal escalates to $2.5 million in 2025.
