Ohio State has extended head coach Jim Knowles’ contract to make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football since 2014. The deal, which includes an annual base salary of $2.2 million and eligible for raises, was finalized last January. With a reported $770,000 bonus for leading Ohio State to the College Football Playoff title, Knowles now holds the nation’s top defensive coordinator spot.
Originally, rumors surfaced that Oklahoma and Penn State were pursuing Knowles before the Buckeyes’ victory in the CFP championship game. After winning, Knowles confirmed his extension at Ohio State while still under contract with Ryan Day to improve the team’s struggling defense.
The Buckeyes boast one of the best defenses in college football this season, ranking first in points per game (12.2) and yardage allowed (251.1). Martindale from Michigan earned $2.75 million last year, making Knowles’ new deal significantly more lucrative.
Source: https://eu.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/football/2025/01/25/ohio-state-offers-defensive-coordinator-jim-knowles-contract-extension/77945473007