Football
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
UT's New Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles
Jim Knowles is a highly experienced college football coach, and reports indicate that the Tennessee Volunteers are expected to hire him as their new defensive coordinator after he parted ways with Penn State.
Here are the key things to know about Jim Knowles:
🏈 Coaching History & Accomplishments
Tennessee (Expected): He is widely reported to be the next defensive coordinator for the Volunteers, starting in 2026.
Penn State (2025): He served as the defensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions for one season before being reportedly let go following a change in head coach.
Ohio State (2022–2024): Knowles was the defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes.
His defense was highly effective, ranking 1st nationally in yards allowed, scoring defense, and red zone defense during the 2024-2025 season, which culminated in an Ohio State National Championship.
Oklahoma State (2018–2021): He led a significant defensive turnaround for the Cowboys, with the defense improving each year he was there.
In 2021, his defense finished top ten in several categories including opponent yards per game and sacks per game. He was a finalist for the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant that year.
Duke (2010–2017): He was the defensive coordinator, helping the Blue Devils reach five bowl appearances in six years, a first for the program.
Cornell (2004–2009): He served as the head football coach at his alma mater, compiling a 26–34 record.
🌟 Notable Background
CFP National Champion: He won a CFP National Championship as an assistant coach with Ohio State in the 2024-2025 season.
Alumnus: Knowles is a 1987 graduate of Cornell University, where he was a three-year letterman and All-Ivy League selection as a defensive end.
David Cutcliffe Connection: He has a long coaching history with former Tennessee offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach David Cutcliffe, having worked under him at Ole Miss and Duke.
Here are the key things to know about Jim Knowles:
🏈 Coaching History & Accomplishments
Tennessee (Expected): He is widely reported to be the next defensive coordinator for the Volunteers, starting in 2026.
Penn State (2025): He served as the defensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions for one season before being reportedly let go following a change in head coach.
Ohio State (2022–2024): Knowles was the defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes.
His defense was highly effective, ranking 1st nationally in yards allowed, scoring defense, and red zone defense during the 2024-2025 season, which culminated in an Ohio State National Championship.
Oklahoma State (2018–2021): He led a significant defensive turnaround for the Cowboys, with the defense improving each year he was there.
In 2021, his defense finished top ten in several categories including opponent yards per game and sacks per game. He was a finalist for the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant that year.
Duke (2010–2017): He was the defensive coordinator, helping the Blue Devils reach five bowl appearances in six years, a first for the program.
Cornell (2004–2009): He served as the head football coach at his alma mater, compiling a 26–34 record.
🌟 Notable Background
CFP National Champion: He won a CFP National Championship as an assistant coach with Ohio State in the 2024-2025 season.
Alumnus: Knowles is a 1987 graduate of Cornell University, where he was a three-year letterman and All-Ivy League selection as a defensive end.
David Cutcliffe Connection: He has a long coaching history with former Tennessee offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach David Cutcliffe, having worked under him at Ole Miss and Duke.
