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Jim Knowles reflects on constant work improving Ohio State defense

Matt Connollyby:Matt Connolly•about 10 hours•

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Jim Knowles
Ohio State DC Jim Knowles (© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is now in his third season leading the Buckeyes defense. The group has gotten better every year under Knowles, and Ohio State currently has the No. 1 defense in the country entering the national championship game against Notre Dame.

Jim Knowles was asked earlier this week about his defense, how it has evolved, and how he is always working to find the right balance when it comes to being aggressive.

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“Yea, it’s just constant. I don’t think I ever feel good about it,” Jim Knowles said. “That’s why I keep working. I won’t take any days off. You’re always fighting for that balance.”

Knowles was asked in particular about his first play as the Ohio State defensive coordinator, back in 2022. The Buckeyes opened the season against Notre Dame at Ohio Stadium.

Knowles blitzed cornerback Denzel Burke to open the game and Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner found Lorenzo Styles for a 54-yard gain. Ohio State did go on to win the game, but it’s a play Jim Knowles still remembers well.

“I don’t remember all the plays, but I remember that one,” he said. “We hit the quarterback right in his face and then missed a tackle, right? And it went a long ways. Then we held them to a field goal. Yea, but it’s just constant work.”

Ohio State DC Jim Knowles responds to Oklahoma job rumors

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has at least one game left with the Buckeyes, but there is talk that he could be headed to Oklahoma to join Brent Venables’ staff after the national title game.

Knowles was asked about possibly going to Oklahoma during his media availability on Saturday.

“Just trying to beat Notre Dame,” Knowles said, per On3’s Pete Nakos.

Prior to being hired as the Ohio State defensive coordinator, Knowles was at Oklahoma State from 2018-2021. The Cowboys had a top-five defense in the country during his final season.

Now perhaps he could be heading back to the state of Oklahoma to team up with Venables. The two are widely considered to be two of the top defensive minds in all of football.

First things first, though. Right now Knowles’ focus is on delivering Ohio State a national title.