What good is money if you can’t develop your program with it? Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame are willing to take a huge step after tasting defeat in the National Championship showdown against Ohio State. With their DC, Al Golden, departing for an NFL DC role with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Irish are left with a gaping void. However, that’s not something that can’t be eventually fixed. But can their financial advantage get them their desired target amid tough competition? 

Marcus Freeman is willing to shell out some big bucks for one of their opposing coaches in this year’s National Championship run. Notre Dame insider Tyler Wojciak revealed on a new YouTube episode on Locked on Irish on January 25 how interested the Irish are in hiring Ohio State’s DC Jim Knowles.

He stated, “Notre Dame is in the mix there. Jim Knowles is demanding $3 million in the open market right now if he were to leave Ohio State. That’s a ton of money and Notre Dame is apparently right there in the thick of it willing to spend that kind of money.” 

It’s not surprising to see so many interests rising for the 59-year-old Ohio State DC. As far as defensive brilliance goes, Jim Knowles is in the center of it. He transformed Ohio State when he stepped in as their DC in 2022, improving several Buckeyes’ defensive stats, including total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense, and passing defense. This past season’s achievement only highlights his improvement over the years in Columbus. 

In the 2024 season, Ohio State finished 1st in yards allowed, scoring defense, and red zone defense, a major contributor to their National Championship glory. While he has a huge price tag upon him, money isn’t a matter of concern for Notre Dame. The Irish took the lion’s share in their CFP appearances as an independent team.

They took home an undivided $20 million from each of their four playoff appearances. If they can emulate the same success in 2025, it’s worth every penny in the investment. But it’s easier said than done. The Irish are far from the only ones wooing Jim Knowles. 

Jim Knowles stirs the interest of Oklahoma 

Brent Venables and Oklahoma are seeking a replacement for their former DC, Zac Alley, who left for West Virginia this past December. Unsurprisingly, Jim Knowles has become a top target for the Sooners, who fared miserably on defense. They gave out at least 20 points in each of their games in the 2024 season. So, bringing in a defensive mastermind is going to bring transformation to the program.

Even former Oklahoma HC Bob Stoops is enthusiastic about the idea of it. His words summed it all up—“I think it would be a home run. I think it’s a fantastic hire.”

If such a scenario happens that Jim Knowles goes to Oklahoma, he won’t be a stranger. He already played a huge part for Oklahoma State as their DC for four years before his transfer to Ohio State. But wait, adding to the mix is Penn State, who’s looking to replace Tom Allen. This is going to be a big fight for the best! 

For all we know, Jim Knowles could just stick with Ryan Day in Columbus. After all, who wouldn’t want an elite coach from a national championship lineup?