Poll: What are your thoughts on hiring Knowles as DC?

[SCRocket]

I think I heard Big Ev who works with that goofy Brandon Walker say OSU fans weren't upset at losing him and he wasnt that good. Maybe that was cope?

He hurt their feelings leaving for more money at Penn State.

 

[GoVols64]

Would vote for "Good Hire" but we don't know if it will result in a better outcome than TB.... Drop that and that is where I will sit.

 

[BigOrangeFanatic]

As long as we unload some serious cash on defensive players in the portal, I think it will work out just fine.

 

[orangebloodgmc]

No one really Knowles?

 

[CAVPUT]

Guess it's a great hire based on the excitement it's generating, but man...another guy from PSU. Still got a bad taste from the last one.

 

[Ratvol]

With 82.7% saying it’s a home run hire, I’d say it’s a home run hire.

GO VOLS

 

[Shaun1985]

On cloud 9 here. Dude is a beast. Never thoight we'd even attempt it. Props to Josh and Danny White.

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

People should be burning mattresses in the streets of K-town tonight, but in celebration this time. This is home run of a hire as it gets.

 

[VolForLife83]

Penn State's 2025 defense showed promise early, ranking high in stop rate (top 10 nationally mid-season) and having a strong pass defense (12th nationally allowing 167.7 YPG), but struggled later in the season, falling in overall rankings, with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles hired to elevate them, despite key transfers like A.J. Harris bolstering the secondary. By late October, their stop rate dropped significantly (around 62.5%), and they were 8th in the Big Ten in passing defense percentage (63.8%).
Key Defensive Highlights & Trends (2025 Season):

• Early Season Strength: Started strong with a high stop rate, reaching #1 nationally before tough stretches.
• Pass Defense: A standout area, ranking 12th nationally, allowing under 170 yards per game.
• Run Defense: Weaker, ranking 70th nationally and 11th in the Big Ten.
• Overall Decline: Inability to get stops in crucial moments led to a drop in rankings as the season progressed.
• Coaching & Personnel: Jim Knowles (DC) brought in high-profile transfers (Harris, King Mack, Audavion Collins) to build a strong secondary, with players like A.J. Harris showing All-American potential.

Key Stats (Varying points in the season):

• Stop Rate: Top 10 early, around 62.5% (61st nationally) by late October.
• Pass Defense (Yds/G): 12th nationally (167.7 YPG).
• Big Ten Pass Defense %: 8th (63.8%).

In essence, the 2025 Penn State defense had flashes of elite play, especially in the secondary, but overall consistency, particularly against the run and late in the season, prevented them from reaching top-tier national defensive rankings.



What blows my mind is the UCLA game where he allowed 42 points to a horrible UCLA and allowed nearly 300 yards rushing.

 

[VolForLife83]

With 82.7% saying it’s a home run hire, I’d say it’s a home run hire.

GO VOLS

97% thought Dooley was a good hire.


/bluefont

 

[Shaun1985]

To be fair, in regards to Penn State, its a complex defense. In the age of "win now", its not a "get now" type of scheme. If Tennessee doesnt raid the portal, we'll have growing pains (will regardless) but when its clicking, its very good!

 

[bpalmer28]

To be fair, in regards to Penn State, its a complex defense. In the age of "win now", its not a "get now" type of scheme. If Tennessee doesnt raid the portal, we'll have growing pains (will regardless) but when its clicking, its very good!

Good news is this will be the 4th time he’s installed it. I’m sure he’s learned a thing or two about the process. Also, Heupel isn’t stupid. The scheme and installation process was 100% discussed in the interview. If Heupel (the guy whose head is on the chopping block if this doesn’t work out) is comfortable with it, I’m comfortable with it

 

[Matt2496]

Definitely a home run hire. It shows that Tennessee is now taking the defensive side of the ball seriously which gives me great confidence going forward in Tennessee leadership.

 

[jasonvol18]

“Good hire but I think we could have done better “. Could still be an upgrade over Banks.

Who would have been better? He's a top 3-5 DC in the country. What else do you want?

 

[jasonvol18]

Would vote for "Good Hire" but we don't know if it will result in a better outcome than TB.... Drop that and that is where I will sit.

There's no doubt..Banks couldn't even hold Knowles jock. This like going from a chic that's mid, to a dime.

 

[sonofUT62]

Who would have been better? He's a top 3-5 DC in the country. What else do you want?

For ****s sake dude. It’s one of the answer choices. I even put the quotes in. I never said we could do better.

 

[Ratvol]

97% thought Dooley was a good hire.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Guess it's a great hire based on the excitement it's generating, but man...another guy from PSU. Still got a bad taste from the last one.

Good grief

 

[#1HomeGrownUTVOL]

“Good hire but I think we could have done better “. Could still be an upgrade over Banks.

Give some example examples of could have done better

 

[VolForLife83]

He shut down Heuples offense in last seasons playoff game and OSU won NC losing 1 game, so pretty sure he knows what he is doing. Can't imagine anyone being unhappy with this hire. Now we need talent but I believe the guy can recruit talent.

Very talented team. On the other hand his Penn State defense ranked lower in key metrics like 3rd down stops (95th) and turnovers compared to prior years. Which is EXTREMELY worrisome. Not to mention, he's 60 years old. And theUCLA game they gave up 300 yards rushing and 42 points. I dunno, man is he declining, has he been figured out, is his scheme too complex, was it the wrong personnel fit?

Overall, cautiously optimistic

 

[DiderotsGhost]

It'd be a good hire.

Banks was a good, not great DC. Had the #21, #4, and #41 defenses in the country (by defensive efficiency, which is what matters) the past 3 years. Banks wasn't a slouch, but wasn't great at scheming; didn't adapt well. Supposedly not a great recruiter either.

For this to be a success, we have to get a "home run" type of hire, because replacing Banks isn't the same as replacing Sal Sunseri, where virtually anyone would look good compared to him. But Knowles would be an upgrade.

That said, Knowles' defenses are supposedly difficult to learn and can take a few years to get rolling; and I doubt our fanbase will have the patience, so ... there's that.

 

[CAVPUT]

What blows my mind is the UCLA game where he allowed 42 points to a horrible UCLA and allowed nearly 300 yards rushing.

Running QBs are his kryptonite? Noted.

 

[sonofUT62]

Give some example examples of could have done better

Give an example of a time that you were too stupid to realize that a poster was quoting one of the poll choices because you don’t understand basic English.

 

[CAVPUT]

It'd be a great hire.

Banks was a good, not great DC. Had the #21, #4, and #41 defenses in the country (by defensive efficiency, which is what matters) the past 3 years. Banks wasn't a slouch, but wasn't great at scheming; didn't adapt well. Supposedly not a great recruiter either.

For this to be a success, we have to get a "home run" type of hire, because replacing Banks isn't the same as replacing Sal Sunseri, where virtually anyone would look good compared to him. But Knowles would be an upgrade.

Curious...what kind of recruiter is Knowles? An ace or a 2 of clubs?

 

[VolForLife83]

Running QBs are his kryptonite? Noted.