The search for Penn State’s next defensive coordinator lasted just over two weeks. It included candidates both internal and external, in college football and the NFL. It ultimately concluded with the reported addition of Jim Knowles, who helped turn Ohio State into the nation’s top defense and win a national championship this past season.
But, for a significant portion of the period that followed Tom Allen’s move to Clemson, Knowles hardly seemed like a viable option. It was Nittany Lions co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Anthony Poindexter who, to the common eye, appeared to make the most sense, especially after D’Anton Lynn signed a contract extension with USC on Jan. 16.
Knowles’ impending hire is set to mark the third time Penn State has passed Poindexter over for an external defensive coordinator candidate. But Poindexter isn’t going anywhere, according to a report by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports. He’s “expected to remain on staff by signing a new multi-year contract with an increased salary,” Dellenger wrote on Sunday.
Poindexter was reportedly “in line” to replace Allen before Knowles’ interest in the Nittany Lions “altered the course of the hire,” according to Dellenger. Poindexter also “turned down interest from power conference schools in their coordinator openings” to sign the extension with Penn State.
Dellenger reported that Poindexter spoke with Knowles about the position and committed to remaining on staff.
A two-time All-American as a safety at Virginia, Poindexter was in the running for the Cavaliers’ head coaching vacancy in 2021. Virginia ultimately hired Tony Elliot and Poindexter returned to the Nittany Lions.
Penn State hasn’t finished a season outside of the nation’s top-10 scoring defenses since Poindexter’s arrival prior to the 2021 season. The Nittany Lions concluded this past year with the No. 5 total defense and No. 6 total defense in college football.
