Mike Gundy Hits on Long-Term Contract for Jim Knowles

STILLWATER – One item that’s on every Cowboy fan’s wish list going into the offseason is athletic director Chad Weiberg and head coach Mike Gundy securing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to a long-term contract. Knowles has turned the Cowboys into a defensive juggernaut over the past few seasons, getting them into the top-five nationally in nearly every single category.

Well, Cowboy fans, fear not because securing coach Knowles to a long-term contract isn’t just on your wish list.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy made an appearance on Breaking the Huddle with Joel Klatt earlier on Tuesday and this is what he had to say about the Cowboy DC.

“I’m really proud of our defense, then obviously our defensive staff and coach Knowles,” said coach Gundy. “He’s been with us now for four years, and we’ve made changes. Coach Knowles is a very intelligent person; he understands concepts and schemes, but then he also is able to adapt to our league, and really college football. The game has changed defensively the way offenses are playing, particularly the past two years and he’s changed some concepts and schemes based on our personnel and the teams that we play in this league, and he’s done a great job. I’m looking forward to signing him to a long-term contract after this season, keeping him with us. He’s settled in here in Stillwater, really likes the community and obviously people here are really fond of him.”

If that doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what will.

The Pokes’ defense is ranked third in the country behind in Wisconsin and Georgia in total defense as they’re holding opponents to just 16.4 points a game, just 276.6 yards per game, 4.48 yards per play. They’re also top five in rush defense with just 90.9 yards per game, top five in third down defense allowing just 24.8% conversion rate, tied for first in sacks with 37 on the season, an average of 3.7 a game, top five in tackles for loss and top five in first downs allowed.

Going back through the past three games, Kansas, West Virginia and TCU, the Cowboys have allowed just four third down conversions and combined for 15 total sacks.