Penn State hiring Jim Knowles from Ohio State is a major win for James Franklin

Jim Knowles landed at Penn State less than a week after helping Ohio State win the national championship. In those precious days following the College Football Playoff finale, the sought-after defensive coordinator had options from which to choose.

Knowles could have stayed at Ohio State and signed a new contract. Oklahoma reportedly tried to pry him away from Columbus. Notre Dame, after losing Al Golden to the NFL, had interest. But Penn State won out, securing arguably the best coordinator in college football.