Jim Knowles is set for an SEC comeback next season. Tennessee is arranging a deal to acquire him as defensive coordinator. The aim is to improve its defense and make the college football playoffs.
The development brings enormous expectations to Knoxville. The Volunteers are coming off an 8-4 season, including a 4-4 SEC record. The defense was spotty under Tim Banks, who was fired after the 2025 season. Signing Knowles was imperative for coach Josh Heupel in his bid to return to the CFP.
Jim Knowles Would Be a Game-Changing Addition for Tennessee’s Defense
Imagine a defensive coordinator with nearly four decades of experience guiding powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Duke, and Ole Miss. Jim Knowles isn’t just experienced; in the 2023-2024 season, he helped the Buckeyes claim the 2024 national title, setting the standard in yards allowed (254.6 yards per game), scoring defense (12.9 points per game), and red-zone defense (60.5% score rate).
During his national title-winning stint at Ohio State, the Philadelphia native, who employs a 4-2-5 defensive scheme, faced Tennessee in the first round of the 2024 CFP. Under Knowles’ guidance, the Buckeyes limited the Volunteers to 256 yards of offense, including only 104 passing yards, on their way to a 42-17 win.
Knowles’ path to Ohio State was paved by his achievements at Oklahoma State, where he was hired for the 2018 season and quickly elevated the defense. By 2021, the Cowboys ranked fourth overall, allowing 297.9 yards per game, and fifth in run defense, allowing 87.6 yards per game. These improvements prompted Ohio State to extend an offer to him in 2021.
After guiding the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024, Knowles took on a new challenge by signing a three-year deal with Penn State, a move described by an assistant coach as a significant offseason addition.
Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Knowles’ tenure at Penn State fell short of expectations, as the Nittany Lions did not advance in the postseason and head coach James Franklin was dismissed midway through the 2025 season.
This disappointing outcome at Happy Valley led Penn State to make sweeping staff changes, including parting ways with the veteran coordinator. In the aftermath of Knowles’ departure, speculation quickly turned to his next possible role, with reports linking him to an opportunity as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator.
BREAKING: Tennessee is expected to hire Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles as their next Defensive Coordinator! ????
Knowles spent the 2025 season at Penn State after three seasons at Ohio State and winning a national championship with the buckeyes in 2024
HOME RUN… pic.twitter.com/BJJnVQeOun
— Vol Scoops (@VolScoops) December 10, 2025
MORE: National Analyst Hints at Matt Campbell’s Decision on Jim Knowles’ Future
What Should We Expect From Jim Knowles?
Despite a mix of notable achievements and shortcomings, Knowles has made a significant impact on the teams he has led over the past 38 seasons. Expectations are high for the seasoned assistant coach to help Tennessee transform its struggling defense into one of the SEC’s elite units.
Building on this anticipation, it’s clear the Volunteers need significant improvement. Last season, they ranked in the bottom three in scoring (28.8 points per game) and total yards allowed. They also ranked 12th in run defense, and against power conferences, they gave up 29.5 points under recently dismissed DC Tim Banks.
However, the recent DC stint at Penn State should render some red flags against Knowles. Under his tutelage, the Nittany Lions struggled to adapt to his scheme, particularly against dynamic quarterbacks.
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava torched Penn State’s defense, scoring five touchdowns in a 42-37 win at the Rose Bowl. Iowa QB Mark Gronowski raced to a career-high 130 rushing yards in the Hawkeyes’ 25-24 victory, while Ohio State dismantled the Nittany Lions, with Julian Sayin throwing for 316 yards in a 38-14 rout.
Overall, Knowles’ defense at Happy Valley was lackluster, placing ninth in the Big Ten in total defense, 12th in third-down defense, and 13th in rushing defense. With the SEC now making waves in coaching hires, Tennessee hopes the veteran DC can reclaim his magic after he is disappointed at Penn State, leading to improvements once the 2026 season kicks off.