Knowles is now heading to Penn State, where he should have more freedom to run the type of scheme that he wants. He is also the highest-paid assistant coach in college football with a deal averaging $3.1 million, and that number can be even higher when incentives come into play. Jim Knowles leaving for Penn State now makes a lot more sense.

Jim Knowles landed at Penn State less than a week after helping Ohio State win the national championship. In those precious days following the College Football Playoff finale, the sought-after defensive coordinator had options from which to choose.