Jim Knowles made college football history over the weekend, becoming the highest paid defensive coordinator ever when he jumped from Ohio State to Penn State for a salary that will reportedly top $3 million per year.

As Ryan Day looks to hire his fourth defensive coordinator in seven seasons, here are potential candidates to replace Jim Knowles.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left the Buckeyes program in a surprising turn of events, accepting the same job with the Penn State Nittany Lions

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State football team is losing a ton on defense, including the man in charge of coordinating it.

Knowles, a Philadelphia native with strong ties to the Northeast, transformed the Buckeyes' defense during an impressive three-year stint. Ohio State ranked top three in total defense each of the past two seasons and led the nation by holding opponents to 254.6 yards per game and 4.2 yards per play during a historic campaign.

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.

Penn State has made a massive splash by hiring Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to take the same job with the Nittany Lions. He replaces Tom Allen, who left PSU to become Clemson’s defensive coordinator. Here are three thoughts on what Penn State hiring Knowles means moving forward.