Without defensive coordinator Jim Knowles in attendance on a day sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel he was finalizing a deal to join Penn State, Ohio State celebrated its national championship with 30,000 Buckeyes fans on Sunday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

Ohio State's Jim Knowles is finalizing a three-year deal with Penn State to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football, sources told ESPN.

After he helped guide Ohio State to a national championship, Jim Knowles is finalizing a deal with Penn State to become the highest paid defensive coordinator in college football, ESPN reported Sunday.