In hiring Jim Knowles, Penn State followed the adage: If you can't beat them, turn them to your side. While everyone in college football is already talking about Penn State's new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, it's possible that not everyone is realizing how much his betrayal of Ohio State benefits his new club.

Knowles will make Penn State's defense one of the best in the country, but his addition might help the offense too.

Jim Knowles, Penn State's new defensive coordinator, brought his Penn State football history and some Philly ethos to his first meeting with the Nittany Lions. Knowles, whom Penn State hired away from Ohio State, introduced himself to the team this week, telling players and fellow coaches, "This is where I want to be."

CBS Sports reports that Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is leaving the Buckeyes to join James Franklin's staff at Penn State. Knowles is expected to be paid an average of $3.1 million over three years, according to ESPN . During Knowles' time at Ohio State, the Buckeyes ranked in the top three in total defense for two of those years.

Knowles would fill the void on Penn State’s staff left by Tom Allen, who accepted the same position with Clemson earlier this month.

Former Ohio State defensive coordinator said in an address to Penn State players that the Nittany Lions were 'everything' to him growing up

Penn State has received plenty of praise over the past few weeks for retaining talent. Its latest move, hiring one of the nation's best defensive coordinators, has people buzzing.

Penn State announced Knowles signing to be their coordinator on Tuesday and one Buckeye confirmed what most people figured; the Buckeyes have taken exception to Knowles’ landing

Joe Hermitt | [email protected] PennLive Penn State’s new defensive coordinator is a big hit with many of the team’s fans. Jim Knowles, the former Ohio State DC, is James Franklin’s $9.3 Million Man.