Knowles leaving Oklahoma St. for Ohio St.

Tough news for the Oklahoma State football team. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is leaving OSU for OSU -- the Cowboys for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State announced the news in a statement Tuesday.

“I have offered a position on the Ohio State football staff to Oklahoma State University defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and he has accepted it. Starting Jan. 2, Knowles will be the Buckeyes’ new defensive coordinator. What is most important at this time is that we put our players in the best position possible to finish this season with a win in the Rose Bowl. To that end, we will continue our planning and preparation for the game with our current staff of 10 assistant coaches.”
— Ohio St. head coach Ryan Day

Knowles turned OSU into one of the best defensive teams in the country this season. The Cowboys rank third in the nation in total defense and eighth in scoring defense. They allow less than 17 points a game. OSU is also first in the country in both sacks and tackles for loss.

Knowles was a finalist for the Broyles Award given to the best assistant in the country, and, on the same day it was announced he was leaving Oklahoma State for Ohio State, Knowles gave a speech at that ceremony before the news broke of his new job.

"To have my name associated with such great coaches, and to be able to represent Oklahoma State. It's such a great honor." 🗣 @CoachJimKnowles #LetsRide I @BroylesAward pic.twitter.com/mfZyzbLVwS
— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) December 7, 2021

Several OSU defensive players responded on social media to the news of Knowles leaving the Cowboys for the Buckeyes.

Man..@OhioStateFB Gettin a helluva a coach..Can’t be more happy and joyful for @CoachJimKnowles. Everything he’s done for me and this program in just a few short years can’t even be put into words! Thank you Coach #strengthandhonor
— Brendon J. Evers (@Big_E_98) December 8, 2021

There’s nothing to say other than thank you @CoachJimKnowles !! You put us in the best position to win week in and week out. @OhioStateFB you’re getting the DC in the country. Take care of him for us!
— Brock Martin (@btmartin40) December 7, 2021

Although I hate to see him go, i’m happy I got to spend my first year with @CoachJimKnowles..he taught me so much I never knew. Extremely excited for my coach he got what he earned!!
— Collin Oliver (@cloliver25) December 7, 2021

Hard to grasp my head around all this 🙇🏾‍♂️… THANK YOU @CoachJimKnowles Happy everyone in the country notices how special of a coach you are, not only for the on the field adjustments, but for the unique change you have on young athletes!!
— Jayden Jernigan #42 (@42_reborn) December 8, 2021

@CoachJimKnowles taught me a lot more than just how to play the game of football. So many life lessons learned from this man over the past couple years. You deserve nothing but the best!
— Trace Ford (@traceford12) December 8, 2021