Tennessee Hires New Defensive Coordinator From Big Ten Program
by Staff Reporter
December 11, 20250 Comments
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Jim Knowles, a championship-winning assistant coach and one of the most esteemed defensive minds in football, has been named Tennessee defensive coordinator, head coach Josh Heupel announced Thursday.
Knowles brings 38 years of college football experience to Rocky Top, including 18 seasons as a defensive coordinator and the last four years in the Big Ten. He has orchestrated four top 15 total defenses nationally over the last six seasons with three of those units finishing in the top four.
"Hiring Jim Knowles was our top priority from the start of this process," Heupel said. "Jim has a proven track record of developing elite defenses that play with an edge, and we got to see that first-hand during the 2024 College Football Playoff. His defenses are always physical, well prepared and can adapt quickly in-game against today's complex offenses. He's a competitor, a winner and someone who will get the most out of our players in practice and on gameday. We are thrilled to welcome Jim to Rocky Top as he helps us chase championships."
Knowles has coordinated defenses at Penn State (2025), Ohio State (2022-24), Oklahoma State (2018-21), Duke (2011-17) and West Michigan (1997-2002). He also spent six years as the head coach of his alma mater, Cornell, from 2004-09.
"I am excited for this opportunity to work with Coach Heupel and represent Vol Nation," Knowles said.
From 2022-24, Knowles was the architect of an Ohio State defense that allowed just 14.9 points per game and 278.7 yards per contest – both first in the nation over that three-year span. He coached 11 NFL Draft picks during a period where the Buckeyes compiled a 36-6 overall record, three double-digit win seasons and two College Football Playoff appearances.
The crowning achievement came during 2024-25 when Ohio State steamrolled through the College Football Playoff to win the national championship ignited by Knowles' unit that finished first in the nation in scoring defense (12.9), total defense (254.6) and yards per play allowed (4.19). The Buckeyes were second in the country in sacks (53) and redzone defense (60.5), while ranking third in rushing defense (87.6), passing defense (167.0) and sacks per game (3.31). Read more.
(Release via Tennessee Athletics)
Knowles brings 38 years of college football experience to Rocky Top, including 18 seasons as a defensive coordinator and the last four years in the Big Ten. He has orchestrated four top 15 total defenses nationally over the last six seasons with three of those units finishing in the top four.
"Hiring Jim Knowles was our top priority from the start of this process," Heupel said. "Jim has a proven track record of developing elite defenses that play with an edge, and we got to see that first-hand during the 2024 College Football Playoff. His defenses are always physical, well prepared and can adapt quickly in-game against today's complex offenses. He's a competitor, a winner and someone who will get the most out of our players in practice and on gameday. We are thrilled to welcome Jim to Rocky Top as he helps us chase championships."
Knowles has coordinated defenses at Penn State (2025), Ohio State (2022-24), Oklahoma State (2018-21), Duke (2011-17) and West Michigan (1997-2002). He also spent six years as the head coach of his alma mater, Cornell, from 2004-09.
"I am excited for this opportunity to work with Coach Heupel and represent Vol Nation," Knowles said.
From 2022-24, Knowles was the architect of an Ohio State defense that allowed just 14.9 points per game and 278.7 yards per contest – both first in the nation over that three-year span. He coached 11 NFL Draft picks during a period where the Buckeyes compiled a 36-6 overall record, three double-digit win seasons and two College Football Playoff appearances.
The crowning achievement came during 2024-25 when Ohio State steamrolled through the College Football Playoff to win the national championship ignited by Knowles' unit that finished first in the nation in scoring defense (12.9), total defense (254.6) and yards per play allowed (4.19). The Buckeyes were second in the country in sacks (53) and redzone defense (60.5), while ranking third in rushing defense (87.6), passing defense (167.0) and sacks per game (3.31). Read more.
(Release via Tennessee Athletics)
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