Jim Knowles

Biography

THE KNOWLES FILE PERSONAL INFORMATION Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Education: Cornell, 1987 (B.S. Industrial and Labor Relations) Children: Halle, Luke, Jack COACHING HISTORY 1988: Cornell, Defensive Line 1989-94: Cornell, Running Backs 1995-96: Cornell, Linebackers 1997-2000: Western Michigan, Defensive Line 2001-02: Western Michigan, Defensive Coordinator 2003: Ole Miss, Linebackers 2004-09: Cornell, Head Coach 2010: Duke, Safeties 2011-17: Duke, Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 2018-21: Oklahoma State, Defensive Coordinator 2022-23: Ohio State, Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 2024: Ohio State, Defensive Coordinator 2025: Penn State, Defensive Coordinator POSTSEASON APPEARANCES AS A COACH (16) 2025 CFP National Championship – Ohio State 2025 CFP Semifinal (Cotton Bowl) – Ohio State 2025 CFP Quarterfinal (Rose Bowl) – Ohio State 2024 CFP First Round – Ohio State 2023 Cotton Bowl – Ohio State 2022 CFP Semifinal (Peach Bowl) – Ohio State 2022 Fiesta Bowl – Oklahoma State 2020 Cheez-It Bowl – Oklahoma State 2019 Texas Bowl – Oklahoma State 2018 Liberty Bowl – Oklahoma State 2017 Quick Lane Bowl – Duke 2015 Pinstripe Bowl – Duke 2014 Sun Bowl – Duke 2013 Chick-fil-A Bowl – Duke 2012 Belk Bowl – Duke 2004 Cotton Bowl – Ole Miss Jim Knowles, a championship-winning assistant coach and one of the most esteemed defensive minds in football, was named Tennessee's new defensive coordinator on Dec. 11, 2025. Knowles brings 38 years of college football experience to Rocky Top,