COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As Ohio State’s celebration tour for the school’s ninth national title continues, some of the Buckeyes’ key defensive players are grappling with the departure of their defensive coordinator.
Jim Knowles decided to leave Columbus for Big Ten rival Penn State after three years at Ohio State, a move confirmed by the Nittany Lions Monday. The school did negotiate to try and keep Knowles but it wasn’t enough to retain the Philadelphia native, who helped OSU become one of the top defensive units in the country, ranking first in scoring defense and total defense.
Safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles reacted to the news while they signed autographs for fans at the Schottenstein Center Monday night.
“Obviously, coach Knowles left a long lasting impact on the team. He did a lot for this team. Obviously a great coordinator. Sad to see him go,” Styles said. “He’s doing what’s best for him though so I’m happy for him. I don’t think anyone has any hard feelings toward him within the team.”
In the wake of the Buckeyes’ title run, Styles decided to return for his senior season instead of declaring for the NFL draft.
“Excited for him. It’s a new opportunity for him,” Styles said. “I trust in coach Day that he’s going to hire a DC that is going to lead us to victory next year.”
Downs became a key figure on the OSU defense after transferring from Alabama, finishing with 82 tackles.
“He was a really good defensive coordinator, really good play caller,” Downs said. “I learned a lot of football from the way that he called games and how he prepared. I respect him.”