Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left the Buckeyes program in a surprising turn of events, accepting the same job with the Penn State Nittany Lions

With Jim Knowles leaving Ohio State for Penn State, Oregon co-DC Chris Hampton is a candidate to replace him in Columbus.

Fresh off a national title, the Buckeyes will be looking for a new defensive coordinator. Jim Knowles has left for conference rival Penn State and Ryan Day has his first hurdle of the offseason to deal with.

Oregon Ducks co-defensive coordinator Chris Hampton is being listed as a candidate for the Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator job after Jim Knowles was hired away by the Penn State Nittany Lions and coach James Franklin.