STILLWATER – Missouri defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has been tabbed by Bielema as the Illini’s next defensive coordinator according to a report by Football Scoop. Last week, Bielema hired then-Appalachian State offensive coordinator Tony Petersen to run the Illinois offense. He interviewed three candidates for the defensive coordinator job at Illinois and that included the Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Knowles had a tremendous season this year, his third at Oklahoma State as the Cowboys defense was No. 1 in the nation in third down percentage defense and only allowed 23.6 points a game.
Knowles made $800,000 salary this season in his third year as the Oklahoma State defensive coordinator. Knowles reportedly has a year left on his contract and based on performance you would think would be up for an extension and/or new contract and a raise. Defensive coordinator salaries as escalating all over the country. Ryan Walters, who had been at Missouri was making $900,000 and likely will make close to or over a million dollars at Illinois.
Knowles interviewed over the weekend with Bielema and Illinois. He had no previous experience with Bret Bielema but appreciated talking to a fellow defensive coach. Knowles also wasn’t doing anything behind anybody’s back. He informed head coach Mike Gundy and athletic director Mike Holder he had been contacted by Illinois.
Chances are he will be contacted for other openings based on the improvement and performance of the defense at Oklahoma State under his direction.
