COLUMBUS — Ohio State hopes to shore up its defense by hiring Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Buckeyes coach Ryan Day announced Tuesday that Knowles will take over as defensive coordinator on Jan. 2, a day after the Rose Bowl game.
“What is most important at this time is that we put our players in the best position possible to finish this season with a win in the Rose Bowl. To that end, we will continue our planning and preparation for the game with our current staff of 10 assistant coaches,” Day said in a statement released by the Department of Athletics.
The 56-year-old Knowles was a finalist for the Broyles Award, which recognizes the nation’s top assistant coach.
The Cowboys finished as the third best in the country in total defense at 278.4 yards per game and in the top 10 in several defensive categories.