Former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said he was grateful for his three years at OSU, but the pull of his home state lured him away.

Penn State announced Monday it had hired Jim Knowles as its defensive coordinator. According to multiple reports, Knowles reached a three-year contract with an average annual salary of $3.1 million. Knowles is a Philadelphia native. In a statement, Knowles said he was "excited for this opportunity" to join the Nittany Lions' program.

Jim Knowles may have something up his sleeve next season when he takes over as Penn State's defensive coordinator.

Already boasting the largest salary among college football assistants, Knowles' contract allows him to hit astronomical numbers

The Nittany Lions reportedly made the former Ohio State assistant college football's highest-paid defensive coordinator.

Penn State made the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles official on Monday. Here's what each had to say about the move

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 31: Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is seen prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) Getty Images

Penn State's new defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, made his first public appearance as the Nittany Lions' DC. A few new additions to Knowles' defensive staff were announced the next day, notably a Penn State alum and current FCS head coach.