Hiring a new defensive coordinator just became the top priority to start Ohio State’s offseason.
With Jim Knowles’ decision to leave Ohio State for Penn State on Sunday, the Buckeyes must now find his replacement. Whoever replaces Knowles will inherit a defense that ranked No. 1 in the FBS this past season but will be replacing eight starters, though it will be led by college football’s best safety in Caleb Downs.
As Ohio State’s defensive coordinator search officially begins, we take a look at 11 potential candidates who could warrant consideration from the Buckeyes. We start with the two current staffers who could be candidates for the job, followed by five external candidates who could make sense for the Buckeyes based on their coaching history and/or Ohio State ties.