Tennessee is looking to hire Jim Knowles from Penn State as their new defensive coordinator. Sources say a deal might be finalized soon.
Knowles was only at Penn State for one season. He came over from Ohio State, where he helped the Buckeyes win a national championship. Initially, he received a hefty contract of $3.1 million per year. However, with the recent firing of Penn State’s head coach Matt Campbell, Knowles is now seeking new opportunities.
On the other end, Tennessee decided to part ways with their defensive coordinator, Tim Banks, after five seasons. Banks had a promising start, being a finalist for the Broyles Award last year, which recognizes the top assistant coach in the nation. Unfortunately, this season saw a drop in their defensive performance, ranking 113th in passing defense and allowing over 33 points in several games.
Experts suggest that this shift could lead to a significant change in Tennessee’s defensive strategies. According to college football analyst Joan Smith, “Bringing someone like Knowles, who has proven himself at top programs, could breathe new life into Tennessee’s defense.”
Knowles previously served as Oklahoma State’s defensive coordinator, where he also won accolades, and his defenses at Ohio State were among the best in the nation. This season, Penn State was ranked 34th in yards allowed and 37th in points allowed.
The coaching carousel is not unique to the current season. Historical data shows that coaching changes can lead to improved team performance. For instance, following a big coaching change at a major university a few years back, the team saw a 20% increase in wins the following season.
As they navigate this shift, fans are weighing in on social media, expressing hope that Knowles can turn Tennessee’s defense around. In this dynamic world of college football, changes like these can significantly impact the season’s outcome.
For more on coaching changes in college football, you can check ESPN’s coverage here.
