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.

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

Knowles would fill the void on Penn State’s staff left by Tom Allen, who accepted the same position with Clemson earlier this month.