Coming off a successful 2024 campaign ending with a loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoffs (CFP) semifinals, Penn State immediately faced uncertainty. While players have come and gone through the transfer portal, perhaps the biggest surprise so far has been the departure of defensive coordinator Tom Allen. He has not yet been replaced, but is Penn State about to pull off a coup and weaken a Big Ten Rival at the same time?
By all accounts, Penn State had a very successful season. However, conference rival Ohio State was the last team standing as national champions. A big reason for that was the play of the defense under coordinator Jim Knowles. With rumors of Knowles potentially leaving Ohio State, Penn State could look to bring him to Happy Valley. In that scenario, head coach James Franklin would immediately bolster what is already a win-now team. As with most things, it’s also not easy and Penn State will face competition for Knowles.
Penn State’s Defensive Coordinator Update
What to Know About Knowles
Knowles has a resume that speaks for itself. As the Ohio State defense’s leader, he now has a championship ring. After reaching the pinnacle of the sport as a defensive coordinator and three years in Columbus, the time may be right for him to move on to the next challenge. Should he decide to move on, he will have options, including Penn State.
Knowles has produced a Top Three defense in each of the last two seasons at Ohio State. A driver of that strong performance has been the secondary of the Buckeyes. That is also the strength of the Penn State defense. Though leaders KJ Winston and Jaylen Reed have declared for the NFL Draft, there is still talent left in the defensive backfield for the next defensive coordinator to work with.
Despite the rumors, there is still a good chance that he will stay in Columbus with Ohio State instead of moving on. Additionally, Penn State would not be the only school interested in bringing Knowles in. There has been chatter about him moving to Oklahoma, and Notre Dame is also on the market. Landing Knowles is not a slam dunk.
Other Outside Options Off the Board
When Allen’s departure was first announced, several names now off the table circulated. Two of the most prominent had Penn State ties and would have energized the players and fan base. However, both D’Anton Lynn and Al Golden will be elsewhere next season.
Lynn is the defensive coordinator at USC. He is also a former Penn State defensive back. Lynn is one of the more successful defensive coordinators in college football. He turned around the defense at UCLA before moving to USC. While Penn State, particularly Tyler Warren, was successful against Lynn’s defense this season, it is improving. USC and head coach Lincoln Riley saw what everyone else did about Lynn’s talents. Early in the offseason, Lynn was re-signed to a lucrative extension to remain at USC. So, he will not be going anywhere, including Penn State.
Golden is another strong defensive coordinator with Penn State ties. As the head of Notre Dame’s defense, he is also the most recent coordinator to make quarterback Drew Allar and the Penn State offense look pedestrian in a big game. Before the game, Golden spoke glowingly of Penn State and former coach Joe Paterno. Alas, Golden is now off the board as well as he did leave Notre Dame. However, he went back to the NFL and the Cincinnati Bengals as defensive coordinator. He was the linebackers coach for the Bengals in 2020-2021.
A Point About Poindexter
Should Franklin decide to promote from within, there is already an option at Happy Valley. Anthony Poindexter has been at Penn State for four years and is the safeties coach. He was also the co-defensive coordinator under both Manny Diaz and Allen. His position group was a strength of the defense. Poindexter has done a nice job developing players, including Ji’Ayir Brown, Winston, and Reed.
While Poindexter might end up being a great defensive coordinator, he does not bring the big-name notoriety of Knowles, Lynn, or Golden. After the rumors of those big names potentially coming to Penn State, promoting from within may be a letdown and a signal of settling. Additionally, the longer the search goes, the more likely it is that other good candidates come off the board. As the clock ticks, is Penn State about to pull off a coup? If not, their in-house option may be the best, and last remaining, option.
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