The Ohio State football team had the best defense in college football this past year. That's one of the biggest reasons why they were able to win the national championship. They were best in points allowed per game, total yards allowed per game, and passing yards per game.
Jim Knowles is the architect of that defense. His scheme is the main reason why the Buckeyes were able to put up so many great numbers. He has improved the defense every single year. The Buckeyes are champions because he is part of the coaching staff.
Even before the game was over, there were rumors that Knowles could be on the way out. There were multiple schools that were trying to hire him away from Ohio State to coordinate their defense. The Buckeyes have now countered with a massive deal to try to keep him in town.
Ohio State football program offers Jim Knowles a lot of money to stay
According to Joey Kaufman of the Columbus Dispatch, the Ohio State Buckeyes have offered Jim Knowles a contract that would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in all of college football. Right now, Wink Martindale of Michigan is the highest-paid defensive coordinator.
Knowles definitely deserves this raise. He has proven that he is the best DC in college football. He needs to be compensated as such. This would allow him to do just that. It's unclear whether or not Knowles will accept the deal, but it would be hard for him to turn it down.
If Knowles does come back, the defense would still be in a good spot despite all of the talent they are losing. It would allow the Buckeyes to have continuity with the system they are running. This is the top priority for the Buckeyes as they bask in the glory of a national title.