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Penn State

Jim Knowles shares how Philadelphia roots impact coaching philosophy

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•about 13 hours•

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Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jim Knowles basically feels right at home at Penn State due to his Philadelphia roots and that reflects in his coaching philosophy.

The new Nittany Lions defensive coordinator has seen a lot in his career and just won a national title with Ohio State this past season. This is now his new challenge and he’s eager to put his brand on the defensive side of the ball.

For the first time, Knowles will be able to coach close to home and perhaps truly go back to his roots.

“You got to be tough, you know, if you’re from Philly, you got to be tough,” Knowles said. “And, you know, you have a thick skin and you’re willing to take coaching, hard coaching. Growing up, the guys that I had as coaches, they were all, you know, cops, firemen, maintenance men and they were hard on you. They were challenging to you. They preached discipline and hard nosed football, and you have to, you have to be, I think, growing up in Philly and under those guys, you have to be willing to accept criticism and respond with toughness.” 

Knowles, a Cornell grad and former player, has seen stops at alma mater, Western Michigan, Ole Miss, Duke, Oklahoma State and Ohio State before returning to the Keystone State.

He’s the type of coach that has that old school style with the ability to adapt to the new age as well. Maybe he’s a perfect fit for James Franklin’s staff going into the 2025 season and beyond.

“Even with the players I’m always all for a guy that’s gonna challenge the coaching, like, ‘hey, I want to know why we’re doing this and what’s the purpose,’” Knowles said. “Kind of that back and forth that you get growing up where you’re willing to speak your mind, and you know, you accept it when you make a mistake, but you challenge it if you have a different opinion. 

“And I think you learn not to take things personally, you know? Don’t take it personally. My coaches, teachers growing up, they’re trying to make you better and I coach that way. We’re in this for you. I knew that they were in it for me like you knew that those guys loved you. It was a mix of that tough love. And, you know, that’s what I got growing up there.”