Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left the Buckeyes program in a surprising turn of events, accepting the same job with the Penn State Nittany Lions

The Irish, fresh off losing a national title game to the Buckeyes, reportedly hired defensive coordinator Chris Ash on Wednesday. The deal is expected to be finalized shortly.

Jim Knowles made college football history over the weekend, becoming the highest paid defensive coordinator ever when he jumped from Ohio State to Penn State for a salary that will reportedly top $3 million per year.

As Ryan Day looks to hire his fourth defensive coordinator in seven seasons, here are potential candidates to replace Jim Knowles.

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Penn State has made a massive splash by hiring Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to take the same job with the Nittany Lions. He replaces Tom Allen, who left PSU to become Clemson’s defensive coordinator. Here are three thoughts on what Penn State hiring Knowles means moving forward.