Jim Knowles certainly didn't squash the rumors of him becoming the Oklahoma Sooners' next defensive coordinator.
Knowles is currently the defensive coordinator at Ohio State, and his defense is a major reason why the Buckeyes will play Notre Dame for a national championship on Monday night. During that College Football Playoff run, Knowles' name has been mentioned as a favorite to become OU's new defensive coordinator once the postseason ends.
On Saturday during media day for the national championship game, Knowles was asked for the first time about the rumors by Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports and 247Sports. And Knowles definitely didn't deny anything.
“Beat Notre Dame, that's all I'm focused on," Knowles said. "These things happen, I guess, when you have success, players are making plays. My job is to put them in the best position. These things come up when you do well.”
The Buckeyes have had one of the best defenses in the country this season, which seems to be a common occurrence under Knowles. Statistically, Ohio State actually had the best defense in all of FBS this season, allowing just 12.2 points and 251.1 yards a game, which includes three College Football Playoff games against some of the best teams in the nation.
Defenses have succeeded everywhere under Knowles, though, not just Colombus. He's already spent some time in the state of Oklahoma before as Oklahoma State's defensive coordinator for four seasons. In 2021, the Cowboys had one of the best defenses in program history that propelled them to a win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. Knowles left for Ohio State after that.
Knowles' possible return to the state was sparked after Zac Alley left OU after just one season to be the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at West Virginia. The move came with a hefty pay raise and a chance to work under his former boss, Rich Rodriguez.
Brent Venables has been tasked with replacing both coordinators this offseason. He already hired Ben Arbuckle away from Washington State to be the Sooners' new offensive coordinator. That position was open after Seth Littrell was fired midseason.