Report: DC Knowles expected to leave Penn State for Tennessee

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is negotiating a buyout with Penn State and is likely to land at Tennessee in the same role, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

However, no deal has been finalized yet, Thamel adds.

The Nittany Lions will owe Knowles over $7 million for the two years left on his contract, per Thamel.

Tennessee parted ways with former defensive coordinator Tim Banks earlier this week after five seasons. The Volunteers allowed 28.8 points per game in 2025, a significant increase from 16.1 in 2024.

Meanwhile, Penn State is undergoing big changes to its coaching staff. After firing James Franklin in October, the Nittany Lions hired Matt Campbell from Iowa State as their new head coach in December.

Penn State allowed 21.4 points per game in Knowles' one season with the team. He previously served as Ohio State's defensive boss from 2022-24.