Jim Knowles' defense is not static and is certainly malleable to suggestions, but even a veteran coach has a breaking point with directives.  The coordinator reached his limit after three years at Ohio State,

Jim Knowles was introduced as Penn State’s defensive coordinator in a Tuesday press conference, a little more than a week after news broke that he was leaving Ohio State. Knowles joining Penn State is a big move for both parties.

The departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles adds a challenge for Ohio State, which was already dealing with heavy roster turnover on defense.