According to reports, Oklahoma is prepared to make a high-profile offer to Jim Knowles, Ryan Day’s top defensive coordinator, in exchange for the Sooners’ open position. The need was caused by Zac Alley’s move to West Virginia, but Sooners supporters would find it worthwhile to get Knowles.
However, according to Zach Barnett and John Brice of Footballscoop, OU might not have made the highest offer for Knowles just yet.
Oklahoma has remained quietly optimistic about its chances of hiring the man who created the best scoring defense, total, and yards per play in the country. FootballScoop was informed by industry insiders that the Sooners are willing to pay up to $3 million annually. FootballScoop was informed by a number of sources that Penn State has made Knowles an offer of $3.2 million annually. After losing Al Golden to the NFL, Notre Dame has expressed interest, according to sources who spoke to FootballScoop, Barnett and Brice reported.
Having said that, Oklahoma might be willing to pay a premium for Knowles.
According to Barnett and Brice, “Oklahoma is willing to overspend, lest pay the cost of purchasing a brand new coaching staff and roster after the 2025 season.”
Following their victory in the national championship, Ohio State’s intelligence team seemed assured.
According to sources who spoke to FootballScoop on Thursday morning, Ohio State knew Knowles would receive offers, but the defending champions were certain they would keep him. As of this writing, that confidence is still present, according to Barnett and Brice.
This is a dynamic scenario. As Knowles tries to build on his momentum from the CFP triumph, expect updates in the coming days.