Ohio State Buckeyes' Jim Knowles Named a Broyles Award Semifinalist

Jim Knowles is the mind behind the Ohio State Buckeyes' dominant defense.

The Ohio State Buckeyes defense remains among the top in the country.

Buckeyes' defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was named a Broyles Award semifinalist Monday, given to the nation's top assistant coach.

Knowles was also a semifinalist for the award in 2021, his final season as defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State before arriving at Ohio State the next season.

Knowles, who is also the linebackers coach, has helped lead a stout all-around Buckeye defense — one that ranks second nationally in points allowed per game.

Ohio State's linebackers have been among the top in the country as well, with seniors Tommy Eichenberg — a two-time Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist — and Steele Chambers leading the pack.

The Buckeyes currently have the No. 8 red zone defense in the country, limiting teams to just 9.3 points per game.

In addition, Knowles has led the No. 3 overall defense in the country this season, limiting teams to just 253 total yards per game.

Junior receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was also named a semifinalist for an honor Monday — the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's top receiver.

Only two former Ohio State coaches have earned the Broyles Award in the past — defensive coordinator Jim Heacock in 2007 and offensive coordinator Tom Herman in 2014.

Heacock also led a top national defense which racked up 42 sacks, 11 interceptions and two touchdowns.

This season, the Buckeye defense has recorded 652 tackles, 21 sacks, seven interceptions and three touchdowns.

Knowles and Ohio State turn their heads toward their final regular season test of the year on Saturday, as they face No. 3 Michigan in Ann Arbor.

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Full List of Broyles Award Semifinalists

Mike Bobo, Georgia offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach

Mike Denbrock, LSU offensive coordinator/tight ends coach 

Manny Diaz, Penn State defensive coordinator/linebackers coach

Ron English, Louisville defensive coordinator

Adam Fuller, Florida State defensive coordinator Adam Fuller 

Ryan Grubb, Washington offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach

Bryant Haines, James Madison defensive coordinator/linebackers coach

Jim Knowles, Ohio State defensive coordinator/linebackers coach

Pete Kwiatkowski, Texas defensive coordinator/outside linebackers coach

D'Anton Lynn, UCLA defensive coordinator

Sherrone Moore, Michigan offensive coordinator/offensive line coach

Phil Parker, Iowa defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach

Kevin Peoples, Missouri defensive line/edge coach

Tommy Rees, Alabama offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach 

Will Stein, Oregon offensive coordinator