PSU, Paterno Moving Ahead With 2011 After Review
State College (KDKA/AP) - After reviewing the Nittany Lions' 2010 season, Penn State and Coach Joe Paterno are moving ahead with their plans for 2011.
Paterno met with the university's president, Graham Spanier, and athletic director Tim Curley. According to a spokesman for Spanier, the three had an "excellent discussion." The spokesperson, however, said they did not discuss whether Paterno will coach beyond next season, nor did they talk about a succession plan.
Paterno will enter 2011 in the final year of his 3 year contract. Both he and the university have said in the past that Paterno does not need a contract to coach beyond 2011.
Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley was thought to be the successor to Paterno, but Bradley has interviewed with Pitt and UConn for their open head coaching positions.
Paterno, who has coached for over 40 years at Penn State, won his 401st game this season -- putting him behind Grambling's Eddie Robinson and John Gagliardi of Division III St. John's. Gagliardi, who still coaches, has 478 wins.
As Paterno and the Nittany Lions were preparing for the Florida Gators in this year's Outback Bowl, rumors surfaced that he was going to resign after the bowl game due to health reasons. Paterno along with his wife, players and the school, however, all denied those rumors -- saying he would coach next season.
