James Franklin swung for the fences. Penn State empowered him to do. Now, the Nittany Lions are on the verge of making perhaps the biggest move of the entire coaching cycle. Several sources tell FootballScoop that Penn State is working to finalize a deal with vaunted defensive coordinator Jim Knowles,

Here's what to know about former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' reported salary and contract details at Penn State:

Nittany Lions coach James Franklin seeks to make a bold move, hiring the architect of the Buckeyes' championship defense.

The Nittany Lions are set to hire Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles for the same position, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation. He has yet to officially sign a contract with PSU.

Jim Knowles is expected to take the same position at Penn State, as first reported by Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger. The two sides are finalizing a three-year deal reportedly worth $3.1 million per season, making him the first college football coordinator to earn an annual salary of at least $3 million.

“Reliable sources confirm that barring last second change of heart, Jim Knowles is headed to Penn State,” Rowland wrote. “He has notified James Franklin that he’ll accept their offer of well over $3 million to be highest paid coordinator in college football history. Knowles is from Philly.”

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,

Ohio State has made Jim Knowles a contract extension that would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator.