Jim Knowles had no relationship with Ryan Day when he came calling in December. Not even a passing one.
All the Oklahoma State defensive coordinator knew about the Buckeye head coach was his “great reputation in the business.” That and the Ohio State brand itself were more than enough for Knowles, a 35-year vet of collegiate coaching, to jump at the opportunity to hold a post at the highest level of the sport.
Now a full five months into his tenure as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, nothing about Day or the program has been a disappointment for Knowles.