Jim Knowles watch continues for OU

Don’t be surprised to see Norman or the state of Oklahoma as a big viewing market for the national championship despite the absence of, you know, OU.

Sooner fans are going to tune in for the belief, the hope that the defensive coordinator for 2025 is coaching his final game Monday evening for Ohio State.

Rumors, reports are running rampant about the mutual interest between OU and Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and Knowles returning to the state.

Knowles has been a defensive mastermind in recent years. It started with turning around Oklahoma State, and he has gone to that next level with the Buckeyes.

So a return to the Sooner State? Wasn’t exactly a denial when asked this weekend.

“Just trying to beat Notre Dame,” Knowles told On3 when asked about his name being floated for other jobs. “That’s all I’m focused on [Monday],” he said. “You are right, these things happen, I guess, when you have success. And players are making plays, and my job is to put them in the best position.”

What would it take? Hmm. Time to get back into the SoonerScoop studios with Eddie Radosevich and George Stoia and break it all down.

Knowles watch continues

“Oklahoma is going to have pay up, make no mistake about it,” Stoia said. “Maybe make him the highest paid defensive coordinator in the country… which is crazy to think about it.”

Is it a countdown of when and not if with Knowles? Think that’s the biggest question for OU fans at this moment. Once the clock hits zero between the Fighting Irish and Buckeyes, everybody will be on watch.

“As of right now? I think it’s just a wait-and-see,” Stoia said. “Let’s get to the national championship game, get that behind us and see what happens.”

Head coach Brent Venables has been active in trying to make this happen. There is zero confusion as to why OU is interested.

“For Oklahoma, it’s a no-brainer,” Stoia said. “He runs the same defense as Brent Venables does. In terms of your base 4-2-5 defense, it’s the exact same.”

But why would Knowles want to leave Columbus?

“Family, personal connections,” Stoia said. “He is somebody, from my understanding, that loves a new challenge.”

The waiting game continues. Keep it locked on SoonerScoop for more as this story develops throughout the week.