COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football coach Ryan Day had praise for defensive coordinator Jim Knowles on Sunday. While speaking at the Buckeyes' championship celebration inside Ohio Stadium, Day gave Knowles a shoutout and mentioned the defense’s dominance throughout the College Football Playoff.

The Philadelphia native and St. Joseph’s Prep alum will become Penn State ’s next defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports on Sunday. Knowles has been with Ohio State since 2022, and reportedly will be the highest-paid coordinator in college football history. The deal, according to ESPN, is worth $3.1 million over three years.

Jim Knowles is expected to take the same position at Penn State, as first reported by Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger. The two sides are finalizing a three-year deal reportedly worth $3.1 million per season, making him the first college football coordinator to earn an annual salary of at least $3 million.