© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles ruffled feathers in Columbus by accepting a job at Penn State. The traitorous move to a Big Ten rival came days after the Buckeyes‘ national championship win.
Drama has since unfolded as the Nittany Lions officially announced their new staff addition this week. There’s no love lost between Knowles and his former school.
Whispers of a potential departure surfaced soon after Ohio State took down Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff title game. Penn State and Oklahoma emerged as early contenders.
Knowles spurned his fiancée, who reportedly lives in the Sooner State, to return home to Pennsylvania. Penn State offered a deal worth more than $3 million per year to make the coordinator the highest paid at his position. The Buckeyes are said to have countered but were unable to keep him put.
Jim Knowles signed a three-year contract worth $9.3 million. His camp defended that move after receiving backlash from the Ohio State faithful.
Online attacks of the coach’s character and loyalty have continued on social media. One particular account often supported Knowles through the turmoil.
Buckeye fans quickly suspected that the anonymous account was run by someone close to Knowles. A series of screenshots were taken to evidence the response.
We Have found the Jim or Paula Knowles Burner Account … Oh NO 😭 pic.twitter.com/1RqcDRmroa
— Official Ohio State DG (@DylanEveryday) January 27, 2025
Not long after the burner account accusations, the user left X. Ohio State’s online following was able to bully the account into submission.
@OsuThe974901 on X
Whether that user was actually someone affiliated with the coach is still undetermined. They’ve given up their loyalty to Knowles, much like he did with the Buckeyes.
Interestingly enough, Jim Knowles will return to Columbus next season as a member of the Penn State staff. He’s sure to be bombarded with boos when he steps into the Horseshoe.