Joe Paterno: 'Honest To Goodness,' No Plans To Quit

TAMPA, Fla. — A jovial Joe Paterno insists he has no plans to stop coaching after this week's Outback Bowl.

The 84-year-old Penn State coach said during a news conference Tuesday that he "honest to goodness" has not entertained thoughts of stepping down after 45 seasons leading the Nittany Lions.

Sitting beside Florida's Urban Meyer, Paterno called rumors he may quit after Saturday's game against the Gators "ridiculous." He said he feels great and is still having fun coaching.

Paterno also said he's not happy to see Meyer leaving coaching after the Outback Bowl. Meyer announced his resignation earlier this month because of health concerns and he wants to spend more time with his family.

"I don't know Urban's situation," Paterno said when asked about Meyer walking away from a program he's led to two Southeastern Conference championships and a pair of national titles in six seasons.

"I'm being selfish when I say I hate to see guys like that leave the game," Paterno added. "To me, I'm different than Urban. I've got people calling up saying: `When the hell are you getting out?'"

When laughter in the room subsided, Paterno continued.

"I don't know. People think I'm going to quit this year or next year. I haven't even thought of it," he said. "I honest to goodness have not thought of it.

"The situation around me is very stable. The athletic director was a kid that I recruited as a walk-on, the coaches have been with me ... the (school) president has been with us now maybe 14, 15 years. We have a lot of fun together. I don't see any reason to get out. ... I feel great."

Paterno's comments came a day after the website PennState.Scout.com quoted the coach's wife, Sue, as saying rumors about Paterno's health and future with the Nittany Lions were "lies."

"Who started the crazy rumors?" Sue Paterno said. "He's fine. No one has to identify who starts it. We don't even know where it starts."

The coach alluded to various internet speculation as well, saying there was talk back in State College, Pa., about him possibly being hospitalized in Hershey.

"Geez, Hershey Hospital? I was home chewing out somebody for being late for a meeting," Paterno, the all-time bowl wins leader with 24, said. "It's ridiculous. I don't know when I'll get out. I honestly don't know."

Comments

[500 a]

10:03 PM on 01/01/2011

JoPa knows that Penn State will not force him into retirement because there would be so much bad press.  He has another year on his contract AND I will not be surprised if the university renews it.  

He's had a great career and is loved by many. But, I think he could have stepped aside 15 years ago and would have been revered and honored by all.

I've wondered how much coaching he actually does and what the assistants are carrying.

[Cosmicstargoat]

12:48 PM on 01/01/2011

Paterno is the Brett Favre of College Football Coaches. I mean, if he was 72 and competent, and winning, maybe, but 84? I doubt if he has any idea that he is still coaching. I hope that if I ever got to be that old and was hanging on like that, that a caring family member would put a pillow over my face. Quit already.

[smalljaws]

10:25 AM on 12/31/2010

JoPa has earned the right to call his own shots. If he wants to die on the 50 yard line its his prerogative. Whoever does eventually replace him will have mighty big shoes to fill. Beating the
gators tomorrow might temporarily silence some of his critics.

[Mag7]

04:18 PM on 12/30/2010

I wish he would plan to pass the ball on 2nd and 20. Those draw plays are as old as he is.

[forty8r]

08:57 PM on 12/29/2010

Hey scratch one social security recipiant good for him.

[bluecollaramerican]

03:38 PM on 12/29/2010

Joe Pa. God Bless Ya. We'll Bury Ya Under The 50 Yard Line unless you outlive us all!

[jk4]

09:25 AM on 12/29/2010

I am semi-retired. I chose to fold them rather than face the embarrassment of being terminated. Joe has earned the right to stay as long as he wants, but I hope he makes a decision soon to leave voluntarily. I was told long ago, and I agree with this advice: "Know when to leave the stage."
There is someone behind you looking for a chance; don't impede the future for your own vanity.

[Puller58]

08:04 AM on 12/29/2010

Comes down the alumni.  If they like him, he stays.

[forealdough]

07:55 AM on 12/29/2010

just don't die on the sidelines.

[Reyeshawk13]

04:54 AM on 12/29/2010

I honestly think JoePa won't retire at least partially because he has no idea what to do with his life other than coach. He's given his life to the program at Penn State and I think he would be completely lost without football.

[kapalabhati]

07:04 AM on 12/29/2010

Yeah, except for all that charitable work he does.... Please what the H do you know about him or his "life?"

[YOKEL13]

02:57 AM on 12/29/2010

Rumor has it that Paterno is being replaced by Larry King.

[CatfishJohn]

09:46 PM on 12/28/2010

what Joe paterno has meant to PSU as an advocate for the university and college football with his class, character and coaching greatness canot be precisely mmeasured right now. what BigName in american sports right now has more dignity- deserves more praise??? But at the end, Bear Bryant was riddled with dementia and required a graduate assistant to monitor him during games to keep him from wandering onto the field.
Comes a time Mr. Paterno, comes a time... - SIGNED- Your Maize and Blue Fan Club

[OnTopicOffTopic]

07:36 PM on 12/28/2010

I wish Jo Pa would retire because I love the man. He embody's what college football is.

I hate to see these guys get to the point where they have to be pushed out like Bobby Bowden was last year.

[habeass]

07:43 PM on 12/28/2010

Very well said and I agree completely. I do love Joe, but......come-on man.

[BlueZoo]

09:50 PM on 12/28/2010

He won't be pushed out! He's a living icon with a lifetime contract. No way they will get rid of him! I do somewhat agree with you about his quitting but I even question that. I have the strong feeling that if he stepped down, he'd be dead within weeks. Penn State is what gives him a reason for living!

[ArchaeologicallyInclined]

05:42 PM on 12/28/2010

As my father says... We Are!...Penn State!