Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was asked about rumors connecting him to an opening with Oklahoma football. Here's what he said.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles responded Saturday during to the rumors linking him to OU's opening.

The Buckeyes defensive coordinator is focused on beating Notre Dame for the national championship, but he's long been rumored to be on Brent Venables' wish list

Ohio State DC Jim Knowles was dismissive of job offer rumors ahead of College Football Playoff National Championship Game vs. Notre Dame

Speaking at media day ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship game on Saturday, Knowles sidestepped the question. Knowles was the third-highest paid assistant in college football in 2024, earning $2.2 million. He remains under contract through 2026. Oklahoma paid Alley $850,000.

Here’s what defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said Tuesday about the Fighting Irish, and more: Knowles gave a humorous response to the team’s goal line stand. He said that on the third down play, the team was in a red zone coverage that they hadn’t used before, and on the fourth down play, they kept it the same.

Ohio State’s run to the National Championship has been a special one and one more win would cap off the Buckeyes’ first title in a decade. The Buckeyes have gotten a strong showing from both the offense and defense throughout the playoff.