On Sunday, that became clear when Franklin hired Jim Knowles away from national champion Ohio State to become the Nittany Lions’ new defensive coordinator, replacing Tom Allen.

Penn State could be ready to ascend to the top of the college football world after two blockbuster coordinator hires in as many hiring cycles. After hiring offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki last year,

Ohio State’s defensive coordinator is celebrating winning a national championship with a new contract — from one of their rivals.