Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was named on Tuesday as one of 15 semifinalists for the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach.
Knowles has transformed the Buckeyes’ into the nation’s top defense in his third season leading the unit, with the group finishing the regular season ranking first in both scoring defense (10.7 points) and total defense (241.1 yards) while also finishing second in passing defense (144.3 yards) and sixth in rushing defense (96.8).
Ohio State’s defense, which ranked second in scoring defense and third in total defense last year, took another step forward this season behind the play of All-Big Ten defenders such as first-teamers Caleb Downs, Lathan Ransom, Cody Simon and JT Tuimoloau along with second-teamers Jack Sawyer and Sonny Styles.
The unit recorded two shutouts on the season, first against Western Michigan on Sept. 7 and then vs. Purdue on Nov. 9, making it the first time the Buckeyes allowed zero points since 2019.
Knowles is joined on the list of semifinalists with several other notable assistants, including fellow defensive coordinators Bryant Haines (Indiana), Al Golden (Notre Dame), Tosh Lupoi (Oregon) and Tom Allen (Penn State) and offensive coordinators Dirk Koetter (Boise State) and Tim Beck (Vanderbilt).
A selection committee of former head coaches, broadcasters and a committee representing the Football Writers Association of America will narrow down the semifinalist list to five at a later date before picking a winner.
