Since 2021, Anthony Poindexter has served as Penn State’s safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator, playing a key role in the Nittany Lions’ defensive success. Despite the team going through three different defensive coordinators during his tenure, Poindexter has not been promoted to the position himself. However, he reportedly came close after Tom Allen’s unexpected departure to take on the same role at Clemson. Ultimately, Penn State opted to hire Jim Knowles from Ohio State instead. Rather than expressing disappointment, Poindexter embraced the new hire and welcomed Knowles into the program.
Just a week into his new role, Knowles has already recognized the strong defensive culture established by Poindexter, cornerbacks coach Terry Smith, defensive line coach Deion Barnes, and analyst Dan Connor. He credited these assistants for their crucial role in maintaining Penn State’s high defensive standards, even through coaching transitions.
“Shoutout to the assistants. Terry, Deion, Dex, Dan. To have defenses this good, it means position assistants are doing a great job,” Knowles said. “When you can have a defense that’s upper tier and go through a couple coordinators, that means that the assistants are doing a hell of a job. Shout out to those guys.”
Knowles further emphasized that these coaches have a team-first mentality, calling them “low-ego” individuals whose sole focus is the success of Penn State and its players. He has already begun preparing for the 2025 season and appreciates the support from his staff in implementing his defensive philosophy.
“It makes my life a lot easier. Veteran coaches who have been successful, but are also really low ego guys,” Knowles noted. “And I’ve talked to all of them, and it comes through like, ‘Hey, we just want what’s best for Penn State, and we want what’s best for our players.’ And that allows for a free exchange of ideas. They love the program and they just want to do what’s best.”
During a press conference leading up to the Peach Bowl, Poindexter joined defensive tackle Dvon Ellies and defensive end Adisa Isaac to address the media. Their comments reinforced the idea that Penn State’s defensive staff is filled with experienced and up-and-coming assistants who prioritize the program’s success over individual ambitions.
In addition to the defensive staff, Penn State’s offensive coaches have also played a major role in the team’s growth. Running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider has helped develop a formidable rushing attack, turning Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen into two of the top backs in college football. Tight ends coach Ty Howle, who was named the 2024 FootballScoop Tight Ends Coach of the Year, has played a pivotal role in Penn State’s reputation as a powerhouse for tight ends. Following Tyler Warren’s record-breaking performance against USC, Penn State fans showed their appreciation for Howle by shouting their admiration as he left the field.
Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has been a vital part of the team’s success. Despite receiving an offer to become West Virginia’s head coach, he chose to remain at Penn State for another season. His influence in 2024 brought new explosiveness and creativity to the offense, making it one of the most dynamic units in college football.
With Knowles now overseeing the defense, Penn State boasts one of the strongest coordinator duos in the country. He and Kotelnicki have already started collaborating, exchanging ideas to improve the team heading into the next season.
“Andy’s been great. I’ve always had great respect for him. And he and I are talking already, exchanging ideas, and we’ll continue that,” Knowles said. “The best way to make our team better. You feel that here at Penn State that we are a team. So, we’re talking, and we’ll talk even more.”
After narrowly missing out on a national championship appearance last season, Penn State is relying on the dedication and stability of its coaching staff to push the program forward. The unwavering commitment from the assistants and coordinators ensures that the Nittany Lions remain a formidable force in college football for 2025 and beyond.