There are two parts to this SAGA that need discussed. What happened with Jim Knowles? And most would say more importantly (After you read everything about the latter… you might say least importantly) - What is NEXT for Ryan Day and Ohio State?
What happened with Jim Knowles?
The media is going to tell you there was a conflict after Oregon (there was… that is not why. Jim Knowles is a pro and a conflict after a loss is expected. Justified or not.), I saw people in the media saying Matt G implemented some zone match bullshit that Ryan mandated (he didn’t - nothing changed on defense they just kept coaching and fixing mistakes), they are going to say he got a $500k raise and Private Jet Hours (he did… but that’s not why), they are going to tell people A LOT OF BULLSHIT.
You watch our show and subscribe here because you don’t want to be bullshitted. I only post shit I know is true. I have read posts “insiders” post…. Jim Knowles DID text the seniors on Saturday! To thank them and tell them he was leaving… But I digress, I am going to write my thoughts based on what I know. I am not going to peddle “insider information” because I think that’s lame as fuck. I have been told A LOT by several directly linked people… here are my thoughts on “What happened with Jim Knowles”
Jim did not want to be a part of a chaotic and inconsistent train wreck. He was beyond frustrated with “the unequal treatment of the staff.” He felt like there were several coaches who are touted as “Best in the Country” that weren’t very good at all. And some of the defensive coaches were challenged frequently and it was deflection and projection. He and Larry Johnson did have a very different opinion of what to do with the DL and up front in General, it was contentious at times… but both men are ultimate professionals and they mutually agreed to do exactly what they did this year and with complete alignment DO THEIR FUCKING JOBS. Larry Johnson being the DL Coach (with his opinions) played 0% of a part in Jim leaving. Knowles felt like the program was an unorganized, chaotic mess and that they weren’t heading down a sustainable path.
Now… that being said, I think he made a horrible decision. Penn State has never had a “Defense Issue” - and their issues are going unaddressed. He came into Ohio State after having a solid middle of the road Big 12 School’s defense, took over a disasterous defense… and flipped it into the best in the country. What would be better for his resume… than repeating it with new players next year? Go to a school with traditionally great Defenses that can’t seem to get WRs and… make their defense a little bit better? With that thought process in mind… Why would Jim Knowles leave? The only deduction I can make is that he thinks Ohio State is a ticking time bomb. Why else would the highest paid coach in America, leave the school he won a National Championship at a mere 6 days ago, leave an ESTABLISHED defensive foundation? For $500k that OSU certainly would have matched? Private Jet Hours? To be a 3 and a half hour drive from Philly because… that means he was “moving home”?
I don’t buy it. He got out because he felt like shit was fuuuuuucked up here. Not saying it’s true, not saying I think it is… but Jim did.
What is Next for Ryan Day?
Here is the dilemma Ryan is facing, he just lost two coaches (very different coaches and situations) to his direct rival schools. That is really bad optically. I think he believes Matt Guerrieri is a “young star” but there a few problems he’s facing:
Matt G has minimal connection with the players. Knowles was that old school General… Kids rode for Jim. Guerrieri is kind of a square, nerdy guy… that players don’t really relate to. Kids like Lathan and Caleb Downs loved playing for him because they are both smart kids and loved soaking up his knowledge… but I don’t know if he has a coordinator personality. Can he LEAD an entire Defense? And the answer could absolutely be yes BUT… If he gets promoted:
- Tim Walton leaves.
- Larry Johnson retires.
- (Independent of Matt’s potential promotion) James Laurinaitis is VERY secretly tied to a potential return to Notre Dame.
Obviously that is doomsday, worst outcome… but the first two are certain with that promotion. JL might not go and might not REALLY be looking to go. Ultimately, I don’t know if Ryan can afford for the Defense to slip and don’t think he has the confidence to make the “Matt G” call. I think he is going to go with a “name” hire.
I am still researching who could be involved, and who IS involved… but the name I was just told, subject to verification, that is the first name up for the DC job is Chris Ash. Will update as we go… and NO this is not the point of this website or these message boards, we have never and will never be a “Breaking News” platform… I just wanted to share with the Army my THOUGHTS based on what I KNOW from people who do know.
Appreciate you, Menace Army!
Menace, out.
. Coaches knew, coaches were told by other universities, admitting to in person and advance scouting. 
