Ohio State football is battling other schools to retain Jim Knowles

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football is doing its part to retain defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

The Buckeyes have made Knowles an offer that would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football, according to multiple reports.

Michigan’s Wink Martindale, who is in line to make $2.75 million next year, currently holds that title. Knowles currently makes $2.2 million after getting a contract extension last year.

Ohio State’s offer comes as Knowles is fielding interest from various programs.

Notre Dame and Penn State currently have defensive coordinator openings, and reports have surfaced linking Knowles to the jobs. Oklahoma is also in the mix, a source with knowledge of the situation told cleveland.com .

Knowles helped lead Ohio State to a national title this season by fielding the best defense in the country, according to multiple statistical categories.

The Buckeyes led the nation in total defense and scoring defense.

Tom Allen left Penn State to go to Clemson, which created an opening at defensive coordinator for coach James Franklin.

Notre Dame lost Al Golden to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Oklahoma’s Zac Alley left for West Virginia’s defensive coordinator opening.