In explaining his move to Penn State this offseason, Jim Knowles said that he had hoped to remain with Ohio State, but it didn't offer him an extension before the national championship game.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- On Jan. 22, two days after the 2024 season had officially ended with Ohio State beating Notre Dame to win the College Football Playoff national championship, Penn State coach James Franklin was in Philadelphia recruiting. His cellphone rang.

Jim Knowles leaving Ohio State to join rival Penn State as defensive coordinator was one of the biggest moves of college football’s coaching carousel this offseason, and to hear him talk about it, the Buckeyes still had a chance to keep him around.