Ohio State Buckeyes Coach Jim Knowles Nominated for 2023 Broyles Award

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has led an elite unit this season.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has been named a nominee for the 2023 Broyles Award, which is given to the top assistant in the nation. He was revealed as one of 57 nominees for the award.

Other notable nominees include Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding, Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and many more.

Here's at look at the full list of nominees:

We are proud to announce the 2023 Broyles Award nominees! Congratulations to our 57 nominees - you are part of an elite group of assistant coaches. We look forward to revealing this year's semi-finalists and finalists and the winner at the Award Ceremony on December 5th. pic.twitter.com/JoDaKVnUpH

— The Broyles Award (@BroylesAward) November 14, 2023

With Knowles at the defensive helm this season, the Buckeyes have been one of the best defenses in the country. Ohio State is surrendering the second-fewest points per game in the country (9.9 points), fourth-fewest total yards per game (262.2) and second-fewest passing per game (149.8). 

Additionally, the Buckeyes haven't allowed any of their opponents to reach the 20-point scoring mark. Maryland scored the most points the Buckeyes defense has allowed this season in the 37-17 win for Ohio State on Oct. 7.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles watches warm ups prior to the NCAA football game at Indiana University Memorial Stadium. Ohio State won 23-3 / © Adam Cairns, The Columbus Dispatch

Knowles has been fortunate this season to have a defense that's again filled with potential NFL talent, like at cornerback with Denzel Burke, who is a major reason the Ohio State secondary has found success this year.

Knowles has made sure to give players like Burke their praise.

“When you scheme up the coverages, you know you can just count on him to, kind of, take that out of the equation,” Knowles said. “It allows you to do some other things with the other guys.”

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Ohio State moved down from No. 1 to No. 2 in the third installment of the College Football Rankings. The Buckeyes will host Minnesota (5-5) on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.