Penn State Lands Another Former Ohio State Buckeyes Coach…
Penn State has bolstered its coaching staff by hiring two former Ohio State Buckeyes coaches: defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and running backs coach Stan Drayton.
Jim Knowles, 59, led Ohio State’s defense to a national championship in the 2024 season, with the unit finishing first nationally in total defense and scoring defense. In January 2025, he accepted a three-year contract averaging $3.1 million annually with Penn State, making him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football.
Stan Drayton, who coached Ohio State’s running backs from 2012 to 2014—including mentoring Ezekiel Elliott—joined Penn State as running backs coach in February 2025. Drayton previously served as head coach at Temple from 2022 to 2024 before being dismissed.
These strategic hires demonstrate Penn State’s commitment to enhancing its football program by incorporating experienced coaches with proven track records from a top rival.
