PSU Football
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News—Dec. 10, 2025
Jim Knowles Out at Penn State
Penn State Head Coach Matt Campell has informed defensive coordinator Jim Knowles that he will not return in 2026. On3, CBS Sports, ESPN, and other media are reporting that Knowles will become the next DC at Tennessee. Penn State is reportedly negotiating a buyout of his existing 3-year contract that makes him the highest paid DC in college football at about $3.1 million per year. Knowles would reportedly replace Tim Banks as DC at Tennessee. Banks is a former Co-DC/Safeties Coach at Penn State (2016-20) under James Franklin, and he is reportedly headed to Auburn as Safeties Coach.
Knowles has only been at PSU for the 2025 season after being lured from Ohio State by former head coach James Franklin. The Nittany Lions struggled within his new defensive system as they lost a shocking 6 games this fall after failing to hold a 4th quarter lead in 4 of those losses. The Knowles system is known to be complicated and typically takes a year, or so, to sink-in. It’s expected that Campbell will replace Knowles with Iowa State DC Jon Heacock.
