Jim Knowles readies for toughest challenge of career as Ohio State’s national title hopes rest on his defense

When it was over, the Oklahoma State defense lit up cigars. Just not in the locker room — and not in celebration. In fact, the get-together was tinged with disappointment.

The regular season had ended in an inches-short bid for the Big 12 title and likely College Football Playoff berth. A Fiesta Bowl invite was a bonus, but it wasn’t the ultimate goal.

The program falling short was hammered home for the Cowboys when their mentor, friend and defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, called the Cowboys defense over to his house on an early December night. By then, the players already knew their charismatic coach was leaving after four seasons in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

At that point, a 57-year-old gray-bearded free spirit with a hint of Willie Nelson to his look decided it was time to be, well, on the road again. Knowles had accepted the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator position. Proper goodbyes literally went up in smoke.

“They all came over to my house, and we smoked cigars,” Knowles said. “We had a good night. There was some sadness. They were happy for me. I included them in the process.”

That process featured regular Zoom and Facetime calls with Knowles updating his players not only when interest came in from other schools but also the exact numbers he was being offered after a record-breaking year at Oklahoma State.

“Probably risky,” Knowles admitted. “When it was all going on, those guys knew. You watch coaches leave in the middle of the night and that sort of thing. Those guys knew exactly who was offering and what they were offering, even, like, dollar amounts. I treated them like my sons. I trusted them with the information. When I look back, I think, ‘Jeez, that’s kind of risky. Anybody can report that.'”

They didn’t. Besides, Knowles concluded those players with whom he had become so close were the ones who put him in that position. Sharing texts, dollar signs and farewell cigars at his place was the least he could do.

“They’re the reason I’m getting these offers,” Knowles said. “That’s the dichotomy of it.”

The Ivy-educated coach is now peaking at a top-five program as No. 2 Ohio State prepares to kick off against No. 5 Notre Dame. For these Buckeyes, Knowles could be the difference between a mere Big Ten title and a national championship. He’s that accomplished. Last season defense seemed to be what prevented OSU from being not just good but great.

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