Oklahoma Legend Bob Stoops Thinks Jim Knowles Would Be a ‘Home Run’ Hire
When it comes to football in the state of Oklahoma, few names resonate as deeply as Bob Stoops. As the former head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, Stoops’ legacy is cemented as one of the most successful coaches in college football history. His tenure, spanning from 1999 to 2016, saw the Sooners win a national championship in 2000, multiple Big 12 titles, and numerous playoff appearances. Under Stoops, Oklahoma consistently contended for national titles, and his influence on the program continues to be felt to this day.
In recent years, the Sooners have seen their fortunes shift under new head coach Brent Venables. The move to the SEC in 2025 has introduced a new set of challenges for Oklahoma, both on and off the field. For the Sooners to remain competitive, it’s clear that they must recruit at a high level, adjust to the demands of one of the toughest conferences in college football, and ensure that their coaching staff is equipped to handle the growing intensity of SEC play.
That’s where the defensive coordinator position comes in—specifically, the potential hiring of Jim Knowles, currently the defensive coordinator at Ohio State, as a “home run” hire for Oklahoma. While Knowles has helped turn Ohio State’s defense into one of the most formidable in the country, Stoops believes that Knowles would be a perfect fit for the Sooners, bringing his defensive expertise, leadership, and ability to recruit top talent to the program.
In this article, we’ll explore why Bob Stoops believes Jim Knowles would be a “home run” hire for Oklahoma, delving into the qualities that make Knowles such an appealing option, his impact on Ohio State, and how his style of defense could mesh with Oklahoma’s needs moving forward.
Bob Stoops’ Legacy and Influence on Oklahoma
To understand the weight of Stoops’ endorsement of Jim Knowles, it’s important to first recognize the monumental legacy Stoops has left at Oklahoma.
Stoops was hired as head coach in 1999, and in his first year, he led Oklahoma to a national championship game. Over the next 17 seasons, Stoops built a dynasty in Norman, producing a dominant team that regularly contended for national titles. Under Stoops, Oklahoma was synonymous with high-powered offenses, elite defensive play, and a culture of winning that earned the program national respect. In 2000, Stoops’ defense led Oklahoma to a national championship over Florida State, which was a defining moment in the program’s history.
Beyond the championships and the victories, Stoops is credited with raising the profile of Oklahoma football. His recruiting strategies and ability to develop talent resulted in the Sooners routinely competing at the top of the Big 12 and becoming one of the premier programs in the country. Stoops’ leadership extended beyond the field as well; he was known for fostering a strong sense of brotherhood and loyalty within the program, creating a culture that revered both talent and hard work.
Although Stoops stepped down as head coach after the 2016 season, his legacy has continued to influence Oklahoma football, particularly with the hiring of Brent Venables as head coach in 2022. Venables, who had worked alongside Stoops for many years, was expected to return the Sooners to prominence, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, which had been lacking in recent seasons. Stoops’ impact on the program is still felt through his mentorship of both players and coaches.
So, when Stoops speaks on the future of Oklahoma football—particularly regarding potential coaching hires—his opinion carries a significant amount of weight. His endorsement of Jim Knowles as a “home run” hire is a reflection of both Stoops’ football acumen and his understanding of what is necessary for Oklahoma to succeed in the future.
Who is Jim Knowles?
To fully appreciate why Bob Stoops is so high on Jim Knowles, it’s essential to understand Knowles’ background, coaching philosophy, and track record of success.
Jim Knowles is currently the defensive coordinator at Ohio State, where he has made a significant impact in just a short time. Prior to his tenure at Ohio State, Knowles served as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, where he earned a reputation as one of the most innovative and successful defensive minds in college football. His defenses at Oklahoma State were known for their aggressive nature, blitz-heavy schemes, and ability to generate turnovers.
At Ohio State, Knowles was tasked with improving a defense that had been inconsistent in previous seasons. Under Knowles’ guidance, the Buckeyes’ defense has evolved into one of the most feared in college football. In 2023, Ohio State’s defense ranked among the top 10 nationally in several key metrics, including points allowed, yards allowed, and third-down conversion defense. Knowles’ ability to develop a top-tier defense in a short period has turned Ohio State into one of the nation’s most complete teams, and his work with the Buckeyes’ secondary has been particularly noteworthy.
One of Knowles’ standout qualities as a defensive coordinator is his ability to adapt his schemes to the players he has. He has a keen eye for talent and is able to put his players in positions to succeed by leveraging their strengths. His aggressive, attack-oriented defense can overwhelm opposing offenses, and he has a knack for creating pressure on quarterbacks, forcing turnovers, and limiting big plays.
Knowles is also known for his ability to recruit top-tier defensive talent. During his time at both Oklahoma State and Ohio State, he has brought in several highly-rated recruits who have become stars in his system. His reputation as a recruiter, combined with his defensive acumen, has made him one of the most coveted coaching minds in college football.
Why Bob Stoops Believes Jim Knowles is a “Home Run” Hire for Oklahoma
When Bob Stoops refers to Jim Knowles as a “home run” hire, it’s a reflection of several factors that make Knowles an ideal candidate to lead Oklahoma’s defense into the future.
1. Proven Success as a Defensive Coordinator
First and foremost, Knowles’ track record of success as a defensive coordinator speaks for itself. His ability to turn around Ohio State’s defense in just a few seasons is a testament to his strategic brilliance. At Oklahoma, where the defense has been a point of concern in recent years, Knowles could provide the type of transformation needed to restore the team’s defensive identity. His aggressive approach, designed to put pressure on opposing offenses, would align perfectly with what Brent Venables and the Sooners need to thrive in the SEC.
2. Strong Recruiting Abilities
Another reason why Stoops views Knowles as a home run hire is his ability to recruit elite defensive talent. As the Sooners transition into the SEC, recruiting will be more important than ever. Jim Knowles has proven time and time again that he can bring in top-tier players, particularly on defense. His success at Ohio State and Oklahoma State shows that he is capable of identifying talent and developing it into NFL-caliber players. This skill will be vital for Oklahoma as they face increasingly tougher competition in the SEC.
3. Defensive Schemes that Fit the SEC
The SEC is known for its rugged, smash-mouth football, and teams in the conference routinely boast some of the most talented offenses in the country. For Oklahoma to remain competitive in this environment, their defense will need to be strong, fast, and aggressive. Knowles’ blitz-heavy schemes and ability to adapt his defense to opposing offenses make him a perfect fit for the SEC’s style of play. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, disrupt offensive rhythms, and limit big plays would make Oklahoma’s defense a much tougher opponent in the SEC.
4. Connection to the Program
While Knowles has no direct history with Oklahoma, his connection to the broader college football community—including his experience coaching in the Big 12—would make him a seamless fit for the program. Oklahoma is a proud institution with a rich football tradition, and Knowles’ ability to respect and build upon that tradition while modernizing the defense would be a huge asset. He would understand the pressure of playing in the SEC while also appreciating the significance of Oklahoma’s football legacy.
The Future of Oklahoma Football with Jim Knowles
If Jim Knowles were to become the next defensive coordinator at Oklahoma, it would signal a major shift for the program. With the SEC transition on the horizon, Oklahoma is in desperate need of a defensive identity that can match the high-powered offenses they’ll face in their new conference home. Knowles has the experience, defensive expertise, and recruiting ability to deliver just that.
In terms of recruiting, Knowles could immediately make an impact, bringing in top-tier defensive talent that can help the Sooners compete with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and LSU. His ability to develop players and elevate the play of his defense would give Oklahoma a significant advantage in the SEC, where defense will be crucial to success.
Moreover, Knowles’ track record of success at both Oklahoma State and Ohio State demonstrates his ability to make an immediate impact, and Oklahoma could benefit from his expertise in building a top-tier defense. The combination of his aggressive defensive schemes, recruiting prowess, and familiarity with the pressures of top-tier college football would make him an ideal fit for the Sooners.
Conclusion
Bob Stoops’ endorsement of Jim Knowles as a “home run” hire for Oklahoma speaks volumes about Knowles’ qualifications and fit for the Sooners. Knowles’ defensive expertise, his ability to recruit top talent, and his aggressive, adaptable defensive schemes make him an ideal candidate to help Oklahoma not only compete in the SEC but thrive. As the Sooners prepare for their transition into the SEC, a hire like Knowles would provide the type of leadership and defensive prowess that could propel Oklahoma back to the top of college football. Whether or not Knowles takes the job, the potential for him to join the Sooners as a defensive coordinator is a tantalizing prospect that could shape the future of Oklahoma football for years to come.
