Few know the impact Jim Knowles can have on a defense better than James Franklin. Knowles, one of the top defensive minds in the sport, is expected to be Penn State’s new defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.

Several sources tell FootballScoop that Penn State is working to finalize a deal with vaunted defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the braintrust of Ohio State's national championship-winning defense. Per sources, the deal is expected to make Knowles the highest-paid defensive coordinator in all of college football.

Penn State is nearing an agreement with Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to take the same position on the Nittany Lions coaching staff,