Ohio State football safety Caleb Downs recently expressed his feelings on the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, calling it “sad to hear.” Knowles, who joined Ohio State in 2022, played a pivotal role in transforming the Buckeyes’ defense into one of the nation’s most formidable units.
His departure marks a significant change for the program as it prepares for the 2025 season.
Knowles’ time at Ohio State was highlighted by his aggressive defensive schemes and his focus on creating turnovers. After a successful stint as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, Knowles was brought to Ohio State with high expectations. He helped improve a defense that had struggled in previous seasons, particularly in the secondary and against the run. His ability to develop players, emphasize tackling fundamentals, and instill a physical mindset on the field earned him widespread respect.
However, despite the success, the Buckeyes’ defense faced criticism at times, especially in high-stakes games. In particular, Ohio State’s loss to Michigan in 2023 was a point of contention for many fans, as the defense allowed key plays in crucial moments. Despite this, Knowles’ impact on the program was undeniable. Under his guidance, players like linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive back Denzel Burke had standout seasons, earning All-Big Ten honors.
Downs, a highly touted safety who joined Ohio State in the 2024 class, was among those who benefited from Knowles’ defensive philosophy. He quickly made an impression as a leader in the secondary and was one of the few players who expressed his sadness over the departure of his coach. “It was sad to hear,” Downs said in a recent interview. “Coach Knowles was a great coach, and he helped me a lot in my transition to Ohio State. He taught us so much about the game, and we had a great relationship.”
Despite the disappointment, Downs and his teammates are now focused on the future and adapting to the changes that come with a new defensive coordinator. While it is unclear who will replace Knowles, Ohio State’s defensive program remains in good hands with the talented roster and the coaching staff’s commitment to excellence.
The loss of Knowles comes at a time when Ohio State is looking to bounce back after a tough 2023 season, which ended with a loss to Michigan and a disappointing performance in the College Football Playoff. With new challenges ahead, the Buckeyes will need to adapt quickly to their new defensive scheme and continue to build on the progress made under Knowles.
For Downs, the focus now is on preparing for the 2025 season with an emphasis on growing as a player and embracing the new leadership within the program. “We’re all looking forward to what’s ahead,” he said. “Change can be tough, but it also brings new opportunities. We just have to keep working hard and stay focused on our goals.”
The departure of Jim Knowles is a significant moment for Ohio State football, and it will be interesting to see how the program evolves under new leadership. For now, players like Caleb Downs remain committed to the task at hand, focusing on improving as individuals and helping the team reach new heights in the upcoming season.
