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

Fresh off a national title, the Buckeyes will be looking for a new defensive coordinator. Jim Knowles has left for conference rival Penn State and Ryan Day has his first hurdle of the offseason to deal with.

With Jim Knowles leaving Ohio State for Penn State, Oregon co-DC Chris Hampton is a candidate to replace him in Columbus.

Knowles would fill the void on Penn State’s staff left by Tom Allen, who accepted the same position with Clemson earlier this month.

Former Ohio State defensive coordinator said in an address to Penn State players that the Nittany Lions were 'everything' to him growing up

The Ohio State Buckeyes finished the season with a national championship, cementing head coach Ryan Day's status as one of the top coaches in college football. Day was joined by a pair of veteran assistants in offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.