Will Ohio State’s defensive coordinator consider more head coach opportunities after Duke conversation?

ARLINGTON, Texas — Ohio State football defensive coordinator Jim Knowles made sure to single out his linebacker group as one which has made considerable strides during prep for the Cotton Bowl.

Starting linebacker Steele Chambers, expected to play his final game as a Buckeye on Friday against Missouri, wondered if his position coach had gone soft.

“I’m surprised he’s frickin’ giving us compliments and stuff,” Chambers said. “He usually doesn’t do that. He says if he gives us too much sugar we’re going to be diabetic.”

No stranger to sarcasm, Chambers admitted Knowles’ hard edge helped him and the rest of the defense improve significantly over the past two seasons. His system brought OSU a defensive identity, and his presence can bring stability after a period of turnover in the defensive leadership.

Duke reportedly talked to Knowles about its head coach position prior to hiring Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. Knowles declined to say how far those talks went or any other specifics of the Blue Devils’ job. He spent eight years with the program as defensive coordinator and his name becoming attached to that job, even beyond mere speculation, was not a surprise.

Speaking more broadly Tuesday, Knowles said his perspective has changed since he was a younger coach striving for that head coaching opportunity.