New Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said Tuesday the Nittany Lions are "so close" to winning their first national championship in almost four decades.

Former Ohio State defensive coordinator said in an address to Penn State players that the Nittany Lions were 'everything' to him growing up

Jim Knowles was introduced as Penn State’s defensive coordinator in a Tuesday press conference, a little more than a week after news broke that he was leaving Ohio State. Knowles joining Penn State is a big move for both parties.

Penn State made a major coaching hire this month when it poached defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. Knowles, 59, spent two years in Columbus, and his defense played a major role in Ohio State winning its first national championship in a decade this