Penn State’s previous defensive coordinator Tom Allen unexpectedly left for Clemson on Jan. 13. The ensuing 14-day stretch as Franklin searched for a replacement took plenty of turns, but the Nittany Lions' head man has always admired Knowles from afar and hoped to bring the Pennsylvania native back to the state.

Penn State has hired Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator after he helped Ohio State win the national championship, according to multiple reports. The Buckeyes had hoped to keep the 59-year-old Knowles, who also was pursued by Oklahoma and Notre Dame.

Knowles is a Philadelphia native and has made stops as defensive coordinator with Western Michigan, Duke, and Oklahoma State prior to his three seasons with Ohio State. The former Indiana coach said the move brings he and his wife closer to their two daughters.