The BEST Defensive Mind in CFB Opens Up | Penn State’s Jim Knowles Interview

Next Up with Adam Breneman

In this episode of Next Up with Adam Breneman, Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles opens up about his journey to Happy Valley and what it means to coach at the school he grew up idolizing.

From his first impressions of the Penn State culture to the fast-moving process that led him to take the job, Knowles brings you inside the mindset of one of college football’s top defensive minds. He breaks down how he’s merging his aggressive defensive philosophy with Penn State’s proud tradition, what great programs all have in common, and why caring for players is the foundation of elite teams.

Knowles also shares the biggest challenges facing defenses in today’s game, how he manages risk as a playcaller, and the coaching lessons that still guide him today. If you're a college football fan, a young coach, or just someone who loves the behind-the-scenes of elite programs—this episode is a must-watch.

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 - First impressions of Penn State

1:46 - Journey to Penn State

3:40 - Process of getting DC job at Penn State

5:00 - Advantage of an experienced coaching staff

6:14 - Implementing his system at Penn State

7:55 - Balancing Penn State traditional defense vs. Jim Knowles defense

9:25 - Common denominator among top programs

12:05 - Biggest problems for defenses in current CFB

13:10 - Balancing risk as a playcaller

14:56 - Biggest coaching lesson Knowles has learned

17:39 - Post Spring ball takeaways

18:55 - What it would mean to win at Penn State

On Next Up, college football analyst Adam Breneman sits down with the most influential names in college sports and lets them tell their stories unfiltered, direct to the fans.

Next Up is a Front Office Sports Network show featuring candid, open, and honest conversations with the most impactful figures in college sports including head coaches, athletes, athletic directors, commissioners, entrepreneurs, media personalities, agents, and executives shaping the business of college sports.

Adam is a former All-American, Penn State alum and media personality. Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the intersection of sports, business and culture.