Not exactly an unexpected headline but, damn.
Joe Paterno released a statement earlier Wednesday announcing that 2011 would be his final season as Penn State’s head coach, making Saturday’s game against Nebraska his final game at Beaver Stadium.
The school has decided, however, that the icon has coached his last game.
In a turn of events not unexpected but nonetheless stunning, Penn State’s Board of Trustees announced Wednesday that Paterno is out as head coach, effective immediately. Additionally, president Graham Spanier has been ousted, effectively immediately as well.
Here’s the school’s official release on the news and, trust me, this is it in its entirety despite how much more should be said:
“The Pennsylvania State University Board of Trustees and Graham Spanier have decided that, effective immediately, Dr. Spanier is no longer president of the University. Additionally, the board determined that it is in the best interest of the University for Joe Paterno to no longer serve as head football coach, effective immediately.”
Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley will serve as the head coach through the remaining three regular season games, as well as the Big Ten championship game should they qualify and their bowl game.
This post will be updated throughout the night and into the morning as this stunning turn of events develops...