Former Ohio State defensive coordinator said in an address to Penn State players that the Nittany Lions were 'everything' to him growing up

Penn State has received plenty of praise over the past few weeks for retaining talent. Its latest move, hiring one of the nation's best defensive coordinators, has people buzzing.

Penn State has made a massive splash by hiring Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to take the same job with the Nittany Lions. He replaces Tom Allen, who left PSU to become Clemson’s defensive coordinator. Here are three thoughts on what Penn State hiring Knowles means moving forward.

Former NFL MVP and quarterback Rich Gannon was high school teammates with new Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. He explains why James Franklin made a great hire.

I look forward to working with this tremendous staff and group of student-athletes and am ready to get to work,” Jim Knowles said in a written statement.

Already boasting the largest salary among college football assistants, Knowles' contract allows him to hit astronomical numbers

Penn State has lured Jim Knowles away from Ohio State. The Nittany Lions hired Knowles on Monday to serve as their defensive coordinator. Knowles held the same position with the national champion Buckeyes for three years.

Welcome to the grind of brutal losses and soul searching, Penn State. No team avoids it on the road to the national title.