Jim Knowles back at Oklahoma? Now that’s a storyline that promises intrigue beyond just X’s and O’s.
During his stint as the defensive mastermind at Oklahoma State, Knowles wasn’t just making waves on the field. Covering him was like attending a masterclass in storytelling. He could flip from humor to introspection with ease, leaving everyone wanting more. He wasn’t as animated as Mike Gundy, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a moment when Knowles didn’t have the room hanging on his every word.
Now, if the Sooners lure Knowles from Ohio State, the newly minted national champs, there’s no doubting the football savvy they get. In his time with the Buckeyes, he transformed their defense into the toughest unit on the field, a major reason they secured their national title.
But here’s the kicker: the price tag. We’re likely talking north of $3 million, maybe even touching $4 million. Knowles pocketed nearly $3 million last season, with his base salary at Ohio State combined with bonuses post-title run reaching impressive heights. With the Buckeyes poised for another shot at glory, Knowles won’t be looking at a pay cut, that’s for sure.
So, should the Sooners break the bank? It’s a debate worth having in today’s landscape of transfer portals and name, image, and likeness considerations. We’re not just talking about loose change here; we’re talking about a potential $4 million salary for an assistant. That’s a new frontier.
To put things in perspective, LSU’s Blake Baker topped the assistant salary charts at $2.5 million. While these numbers might seem mind-boggling, for powerhouse programs, they’re just a sliver of the financial pie. LSU’s athletic revenue stands at a whopping $199 million, making Baker’s earnings a mere fraction.
If OU pushes forward with a $4 million salary for Knowles, that would eat up 2.3% of their $177 million athletic revenue. Manageable, but every expense represents an opportunity cost. Money spent here can’t be spent on that explosive wide receiver or solid linebacker.
The Sooners could rally boosters and fans for more support, but they’re already drawing substantial funds—$177 million is no small feat and places them 10th in national rankings. Ohio State, unsurprisingly, occupies the top spot.
Even scarier? Ohio State shelled out $11.4 million for their primary football assistants, overshadowing OU’s $7.1 million expenditure. If Knowles steps in with a hefty salary, OU would edge closer to the $10.3 million mark—a notable increase requiring serious deliberation at Sooner headquarters.
But, for the fans and media alike, having Knowles back means more than just stellar defense. It’s the chance to witness his commanding presence and storytelling acumen again. Just last week, he broke down a crucial goal-line stand against Texas, mixing humor with expert analysis—a memorable moment for all in attendance.
Knowles brings an authentic blend of fun and insight, something any journalist would relish covering. Yet, while the prospect is enticing, the financial implications weigh heavy. Would Knowles be great at OU? Undoubtedly. Is the price worth it? That’s the million—or perhaps $4 million—dollar question.
