Did Jim Knowles’ Cryptic Remarks Unveil Hidden Tensions with Ryan Day and Ohio State’s Culture?

Penn State just scored a seismic win in the offseason chess match against Ohio State by snagging Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes’ former defensive maestro, as their new defensive coordinator. But here’s the kicker—has Knowles already started throwing shade at his old stomping grounds and Ryan Day? The Nittany Lions’ new defensive boss isn’t shy about contrasting the “culture” at Penn State with what he left behind in Columbus; think fewer egos and more collaboration—sounds like a breath of fresh air, right? Yet, whispers of friction behind the scenes at Ohio State, including a tug-of-war over defensive control, have fans buzzing about whether this isn’t just a coaching hire but a brewing rivalry off the field too. Mark your calendars: when these two meet on Nov. 1, it won’t just be a game—it could be a defining moment for the Big Ten crown. Curious to dive deeper into the drama and details? LEARN MORE.

Penn State football earned a massive offseason win over rival Ohio State. James Franklin tabbed former Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles as his new DC. Is Knowles already taking shots at the champs and Ryan Day?

The new leader of the Nittany Lions defense revealed the difference in “culture” between both schools. Dropping some telling details via Lions247.

“I think it’s unique to our business, you know?” Knowles said. “The thing I’ve found about here and the culture that Coach Franklin’s developed is there are no egos, so you’re not worried about what you say or hurting anyone’s feelings.”

Sounds like the environment became the opposite in Columbus. But Knowles adds how everyone else “wants to be better.”

“Drew [Allar] wants to be better. Andy [Kotelnicki] wants to be better. I want to be better,” Knowles said. “I think Coach Franklin has — you really don’t know what to expect when you go into a situation like that because it doesn’t happen all the time, but Coach Franklin has built that culture of collaboration, so it actually felt very natural.”

Was there friction between Jim Knowles, Ohio State before Penn State arrival?

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leads warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. — Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Knowles left feeling “grateful” about his time with the Buckeyes. Ohio State attempted to keep Knowles — by offering him to become the nation’s highest paid defensive coordinator.

However, that deal got extended after the national title game win over Notre Dame. Heather Dinich of ESPN reported that Knowles wanted a deal done before the run.

The tensions rose before the victory parade. Knowles was told to stay away. But there were rumblings of a rift between Knowles and Day. Including multiple reports that both men clashed over defensive strategy — with Day wanting more input.

Day, however, praised Knowles back in April for the work he delivered. Though he refused to answer if there was any animosity between both men.

Nov. 1 will take on a huge magnitude. That’s when Knowles and Day have their field reunion. And that Ohio State-Penn State clash likely will decide the frontrunner for the Big Ten title.

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