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Penn State officially introduces Jim Knowles today; here's how to watch his news conference

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•about 10 hours•

GregPickel

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(Photo courtesy of Penn State Athletics)

Penn State is officially introducing new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles at a news conference Tuesday. The 59-year-old Philadelphia native was hired away from Ohio State back on Jan. 27. Today, he’ll meet the press for the first time while giving fans some initial insight into why he left Columbus, why the Lions were the right fit for him, and how he plans to blend his long-held defensive philosophies with what’s already in place in State College.

“I am excited for this opportunity to join Penn State Football,” Knowles said in a released statement in late January. “I would like to thank Coach Franklin, Pat Kraft and President Neeli Bendapudi for this opportunity to be the defensive coordinator at Penn State. Have always had a ton of respect for Coach Franklin and the program he has built here. I look forward to working with this tremendous staff and group of student-athletes and am ready to get to work.”

At the same time, Franklin asked ‘Nittany Nation’ to welcome Knowles to town. This marks his sixth different school where he’s been a defensive coordinator. A Cornell alum, his coaching career started with the Big Red in 1988.

“Join me in welcoming Jim Knowles back to his home in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the Defensive Coordinator of Penn State Football,” Franklin said. “He’s a strong strategist and excellent defensive mind. He reflects the core values our culture of excellence is built upon. We look forward to having Jim and his family join us in Happy Valley.”

How to watch new Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ introductory news conference

It is being held at Noon ET in State College. Penn State Athletics will stream it live. You can watch it in the embedded video player below:

Additionally, you will be able to find a replay of the news conference on Blue-White Illustrated’s YouTube channel. Click here to access it.

Knowles is a graduate of St. Joe’s Prep. He did not go out on the road recruiting shortly after coming aboard. But, he will surely do so when the next contact period opens following spring practice.

‘We’re telling recruits that we’re going to be the No. 1 defense, and we’re going to win a national championship,” Knowles told State Media over the weekend. “You are going to learn about situations and about big-picture defense. We’re going to have enough change-ups and teachings where you’re going to have the opportunity to elevate your game from a knowledge perspective. When you move to the NFL, everybody’s good. You better have some advantage with the mental game and how you understand the scheme. That’s what we’re going to sell. We’re going to sell, ‘We’re going to be a great defense. We’re going to win the national championship. But we’re also going to teach you how to be a pro.”

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