Ohio State has hired Oklahoma State University defensive coordinator Jim Knowles for the same position for the Buckeyes.

“I have offered a position on the Ohio State football staff to Oklahoma State University defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and he has accepted it,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said in a release. “Starting Jan. 2, Knowles will be the Buckeyes’ new defensive coordinator. What is most important at this time is that we put our players in the best position possible to finish this season with a win in the Rose Bowl. To that end, we will continue our planning and preparation for the game with our current staff of 10 assistant coaches.”

Knowles’ Oklahoma State’s defense led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss during the 2021 season and ranked third in total defense and second in third-down conversion percentage.

Knowles joined Gundy’s staff ahead of the 2018 season after spending eight seasons at Duke.

­He also coached at Cornell, Western Michigan and Ole Miss.

Oklahoma State Coach Mike Gundy said the Cowboys really wanted to retain Knowles and a search for a replacement is underway.