The Nittany Lions reportedly made the former Ohio State assistant college football's highest-paid defensive coordinator.

CBS Sports reports that Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is leaving the Buckeyes to join James Franklin's staff at Penn State. Knowles is expected to be paid an average of $3.1 million over three years, according to ESPN . During Knowles' time at Ohio State, the Buckeyes ranked in the top three in total defense for two of those years.

Penn State announced Monday it had hired Jim Knowles as its defensive coordinator. According to multiple reports, Knowles reached a three-year contract with an average annual salary of $3.1 million. Knowles is a Philadelphia native. In a statement, Knowles said he was "excited for this opportunity" to join the Nittany Lions' program.

Penn State made the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles official on Monday. Here's what each had to say about the move

Penn State has hired Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator after he helped Ohio State win the national championship, according to multiple reports. The Buckeyes had hoped to keep the 59-year-old Knowles, who also was pursued by Oklahoma and Notre Dame.

Jim Knowles landed at Penn State less than a week after helping Ohio State win the national championship. In those precious days following the College Football Playoff finale, the sought-after defensive coordinator had options from which to choose.

In a move that shocked college football fans, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles — fresh off helping Ohio State win a national championship — decided to leave the Buckeyes and take the same job with the Penn State Nittany Lions.

After Penn State football added Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator comments on what his aspirations are with the team.