Oklahoma reportedly prepared to offer $3 million to Ohio State assistant football coach for Sooners’ DC job

Oklahoma is reportedly willing to offer Ryan Day’s top assistant, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, a big-money deal for the Sooners’ vacated job. Zac Alley’s departure to West Virginia created the need but landing Knowles would make it worth it for Sooners fans.

As Footballscoop’s Zach Barnett and John Brice report OU may not have the biggest offer for Knowles yet, though.

“Oklahoma has maintained quiet confidence about its chances to hire the architect of the nation's top total, yards per play and scoring defense. Industry sources told FootballScoop that the Sooners are prepared to offer up to $3 million a year. Meanwhile, multiple sources told FootballScoop that Penn State has offered Knowles a package totaling $3.2 million a year. Notre Dame has shown interest after losing Al Golden to the NFL, sources told FootballScoop,” Barnett and Brice relayed.

With that said, Oklahoma could be ready to overspend for Knowles.

“Oklahoma is willing to overspend, lest pay the cost of purchasing a brand new coaching staff and roster after the 2025 season,” Barnett and Brice reported.

After winning the national championship, Ohio State’s brain trust appears confident that the Buckeyes will keep Knowles.

“As of Thursday morning, sources told FootballScoop that Ohio State was aware Knowles would field offers, but the newly-crowned champs were confident they would keep him. That confidence remains as of this writing,” Barnett and Brice wrote.

This situation is fluid. Expect updates in the next few days as Knowles looks to capitalize on his CFP title momentum.