**Why Jim Knowles Leaving Ohio State for OU Football is Unlikely but Not Impossible**
The world of college football coaching is often unpredictable, with changes happening suddenly and teams making strategic decisions that reshape their futures. In the case of Jim Knowles, Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, the idea of him leaving the Buckeyes to take on a similar role at Oklahoma has been a subject of speculation among fans and analysts. While this move may seem unlikely at first glance, there are enough factors at play to suggest that, while improbable, it is not entirely out of the question. The Sooners’ ongoing transition under head coach Brent Venables and Knowles’ career trajectory have created a scenario where this move, though unlikely, could make sense under the right circumstances.
In this article, we will explore why Jim Knowles leaving Ohio State for Oklahoma football is an unlikely move, considering his current position at one of the most successful programs in college football, and the strength of Ohio State’s defense under his leadership. We will also examine why it’s not entirely impossible, based on several key factors, such as his personal connections to Venables, the development of the Oklahoma program, and the potential for a career-defining opportunity.
### **Knowles’ Success at Ohio State**
Before considering the likelihood of a move to Oklahoma, it’s crucial to evaluate Jim Knowles’ current situation at Ohio State. After taking over as the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator in 2022, Knowles inherited a defense that had been underperforming by Ohio State’s historically high standards. However, under Knowles’ leadership, the defense took a significant step forward, becoming one of the most formidable units in the Big Ten and the country.
Knowles is a veteran defensive coordinator with a proven track record of success, particularly at previous stops, such as Duke and Oklahoma State, where he established himself as one of the brightest defensive minds in the game. His defense at Ohio State was lauded for its aggressive nature, high pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and improvement in the secondary. The Buckeyes’ defense became more dynamic, playing with an intensity and physicality that helped elevate their status among the nation’s elite programs.
In 2023, Ohio State’s defense under Knowles continued to perform at a high level, ranking in the top 10 nationally in several key categories. This success has not only solidified Knowles’ reputation as one of the best defensive coordinators in college football, but it has also placed him in a position of comfort and security in one of the most high-profile programs in the country. As a result, the prospect of Knowles leaving Ohio State may seem highly unlikely, given his current success and his relationship with head coach Ryan Day.
### **The Strength of Ohio State’s Program**
Ohio State is a blue-chip program with all the resources, talent, and facilities necessary to consistently compete for national championships. The Buckeyes have a deep talent pool, consistently bringing in top-tier recruits and developing elite players at almost every position. As a defensive coordinator, Knowles is working with some of the best athletes in the country, and his defense has benefited from this wealth of talent.
Additionally, Ohio State is consistently in contention for the College Football Playoff, with a high-powered offense and an improving defense that is capable of matching the best teams in the nation. The Buckeyes are perennial Big Ten champions and have a track record of making deep runs in the postseason. For Knowles, the appeal of working at a program with such a high ceiling is significant, and his long-term career prospects in Columbus are solid.
Knowles has also forged a strong relationship with head coach Ryan Day, who has been highly supportive of his defensive strategies. The cohesion between Day and Knowles has helped foster an environment where the defensive coordinator can thrive, implementing his vision and maximizing the potential of his players. The stability and success of Ohio State make it a challenging environment for any coach to leave, especially when they are already part of a championship-caliber team.
### **Oklahoma’s Transition Under Venables**
Oklahoma, on the other hand, is in the midst of a transition under head coach Brent Venables. The Sooners are coming off a 2022 season that was marked by growing pains and an overall shift in their identity. Under Venables, the program has pivoted toward a more balanced approach, with a renewed emphasis on defense. This cultural shift aims to return Oklahoma to prominence on the national stage, and it has already shown signs of progress in a tough Big 12 conference.
However, Oklahoma’s defense under Venables in 2022 and 2023 was inconsistent, with the Sooners struggling to match the dominant defensive units seen at other top-tier programs. This is partly due to the rebuilding phase Oklahoma is going through, as they work to replenish the roster and develop players who can execute Venables’ vision for the defense. As a result, the Sooners have made it clear that they are looking to invest heavily in their defense to complement their explosive offense.
With this context, the opportunity to join a program with an established offensive and defensive foundation, such as Ohio State, may seem more appealing than taking a chance on a program that is still in the midst of rebuilding its defensive unit.
### **Why Jim Knowles Would Be Unlikely to Leave Ohio State**
Given his current success and the strength of Ohio State’s program, Knowles leaving for Oklahoma would be a highly unlikely scenario. The Buckeyes offer him a secure and successful environment, with the resources and talent at his disposal to continue his work as one of the top defensive minds in the country.
Moreover, Ohio State’s current trajectory suggests that Knowles has a legitimate chance to continue competing for national championships and further cement his reputation as one of the best defensive coordinators in college football. Moving to Oklahoma, a program in transition, would present a significant challenge, especially considering the level of competition in the Big 12 and the adjustments needed to elevate the Sooners’ defense to elite status.
Additionally, the relationship between Knowles and Ryan Day at Ohio State is a strong one, built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the Buckeyes’ defense. It is rare for a coach to leave such a stable and successful situation unless there are extenuating personal or professional reasons, which do not currently appear to be in play for Knowles at Ohio State.
### **Why It’s Not Impossible for Jim Knowles to Leave for Oklahoma**
While the move to Oklahoma may seem highly unlikely, it is not impossible. Several factors could make this scenario more plausible, albeit under specific conditions. These factors are driven by Knowles’ personal ambitions, the status of the Oklahoma program, and his professional relationship with Brent Venables.
1. **Relationship with Brent Venables:** One of the most significant factors that could make Knowles’ move to Oklahoma possible is his longstanding relationship with Brent Venables. Venables and Knowles have known each other for years, dating back to their time together at Oklahoma when Venables was the defensive coordinator and Knowles was on staff. The two have a strong professional relationship, and Venables has long respected Knowles’ defensive philosophy. Should Venables reach out to Knowles with an enticing opportunity to help build the Oklahoma defense into an elite unit, it could potentially be a move that appeals to Knowles, especially if he believes he can make an immediate impact.
2. **Opportunity to Rebuild Oklahoma’s Defense:** While Ohio State is an established power, Oklahoma is in the midst of a transition and may offer Knowles the opportunity to put his stamp on a defense that is still developing. Venables, who is known for his focus on defense, could give Knowles more autonomy in building a defensive unit from the ground up, which could be appealing from a career standpoint. If Knowles believes that he can mold Oklahoma into a top-tier defensive team, the challenge of rebuilding could be a rewarding one for him.
3. **The Changing Landscape of College Football:** The landscape of college football is evolving, with the impending expansion of the College Football Playoff and the increasing importance of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. Oklahoma’s move to the SEC in 2024 will also drastically alter the level of competition for the Sooners. This changing environment could make Oklahoma a more attractive destination for a coach like Knowles, who may see the opportunity to compete in the SEC and help a program re-establish its defensive identity as a compelling challenge.
4. **Personal Motivations and Ambitions:** Ultimately, coaching decisions are also shaped by personal motivations. If Knowles is looking for a new challenge, desires more control over a defensive rebuild, or has personal ties to Oklahoma or the program, these factors could lead him to consider a move. However, such a decision would depend on Knowles’ career goals and whether he feels that the Oklahoma job would align with those ambitions.
### **Conclusion: Unlikely, But Not Impossible**
While Jim Knowles leaving Ohio State for Oklahoma seems unlikely due to his current success and the stability of Ohio State’s program, it is not entirely impossible. Several factors, including his personal relationship with Brent Venables, the opportunity to rebuild a defense in a high-profile program, and the changing dynamics of college football, could make the move to Oklahoma a plausible option.
However, given Ohio State’s position as one of the top programs in the country and the strong rapport between Knowles and Ryan Day, it seems more likely that Knowles will remain with the Buckeyes for the foreseeable future. That said, college football is always full of surprises, and coaching moves, while often unpredictable, can change the trajectory of a program in an instant. For now, Oklahoma fans can only watch and wait to see if the stars align for this potential, though unlikely, move.
