Franklin was at Mater Dei on Thursday morning, perennially one of the nation's top football programs and a recruiting hotbed.

Penn State officially has its man at defensive coordinator. The Nittany Lions officially announced the hiring of Jim Knowles from Ohio State on Monday morning, completing the poaching of one of the nation's top defensive play callers.

Knowles would fill the void on Penn State’s staff left by Tom Allen, who accepted the same position with Clemson earlier this month.

Here's what to know about former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' reported salary and contract details at Penn State:

On Tuesday, the Clemson Board of Trustees met for a compensation committee meeting to finalize the contract details of new defensive coordinator, Tom Allen. Prior to that, Allen was the head coach ...

Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney, left, and newly hired football defensive coordinator Tom Allen, formerly at Penn State University, speak with media in the Smart Family Media Center at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday, January 15, 2024. / Ken Ruinard - staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One of the most surprising coaching moves of the college football offseason was former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles heading to Penn State to serve in the same role for the Buckeyes' Big Ten rival. The Pennsylvania native had just helped lead Ohio State and the nation's top defense to a College Football Playoff national championship.

When it comes to recruiting, James Franklin rarely takes a backseat. He proved that again Sunday when he lured Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, to Penn State. Of course, money helped.

When it comes to recruiting, James Franklin rarely takes a backseat. He proved that again Sunday when he lured Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, to Penn State. Of course, money helped.

Penn State has lured Jim Knowles away from Ohio State. The Nittany Lions hired Knowles on Monday to serve as their defensive coordinator. Knowles held the same position with the national champion Buckeyes for three years.

By Neil Rudel [email protected] When it comes to recruiting, James Franklin rarely takes a backseat. He proved that again Sunday when he lured Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, to Penn State.