COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football coach Ryan Day had praise for defensive coordinator Jim Knowles on Sunday. While speaking at the Buckeyes' championship celebration inside Ohio Stadium, Day gave Knowles a shoutout and mentioned the defense’s dominance throughout the College Football Playoff.

Former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said he was grateful for his three years at OSU, but the pull of his home state lured him away.

Fresh off a national championship run with Ohio State, Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has accepted the same position at Big Ten rival Penn State. Knowles is expected to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the history of college football with a salary range averaging $3.