Report: Jim Knowles Won’t Coach in Fiesta Bowl, Set to Make $1.9 Million Annually

Jim Knowles won’t take over as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator until Jan. 2, but he will not coach the Cowboys on Jan. 1.

Knowles won’t coach the Cowboys in the Fiesta Bowl, according to Brett McMurphy. A Broyles finalist, Knowles agreed to leave Oklahoma State for Ohio State earlier this week. It would’ve been an odd thing for Knowles to coach in the bowl game while on his way out, but one could argue Knowles coaching would give the Cowboys the best chance to win the game.

Information on Knowles’ new contract also released Friday. Knowles is set to make $1.9 million annually with the Buckeyes, and he will receive a $139,000 signing bonus, according to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. It will make him the highest-paid assistant coach in Ohio State history. Knowles made $800,000 coaching Oklahoma State this past season.

Knowles joined Mike Gundy’s staff in 2018 after coaching at Duke. Knowles’ 2021 defense leads the nation in sacks and tackles for loss. The Cowboys rank second nationally in third-down conversion percentage and third in total defense.

Oklahoma State takes on Notre Dame on Jan. 1 in the Fiesta Bowl.