As expected, Penn State quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno is no longer part of the Nittany Lions staff.
Paterno said in a statement that he and new Penn State coach Bill O’Brien “reached the conclusion” that he would not be a part of the new coaching staff. The move isn’t all that surprising, even though that Paterno said he was still a part of the Penn State coaching group as of Friday. Below is Paterno’s full statement:After talking with Coach Bill O’Brien we have reached the conclusion that I will not be a part of the Penn State football staff moving forward.
I will spend the next few weeks consulting with my wife and family to weigh various future options both inside and outside of football.
I thank the student-athletes that I’ve been privileged to coach over the past two decades at four schools. Hopefully my career has had an impact and helped you learn about life, and about the commitment and passion it takes to pursue personal excellence.
As for Penn Staters, I cannot even begin to express what your support has meant to me and my family over the past seventeen seasons and in particular the past two months. Through the tumult of the past several weeks, it has been your stalwart support combined with life lessons learned from Joe Paterno that has and continue to sustain us.
As a Penn Stater I am reminded of the words “Sing Our Love and Loyalty” from the Alma Mater. I wish the program the best of luck in carrying on the academic and athletic excellence that have been a hallmark of this university for decades.
As part of O’Brien’s staff moves, Central Florida confirmed today the reports that defensive coordinator Ted Roof would be taking the same job with the Nittany Lioins.
“When I learned Bill O’Brien was going to be named Penn State’s head coach, I knew Ted Roof might get the job as his defensive coordinator,” said UCF head coach George O’Leary. “O’Brien and Roof are best friends and their families are very close as well. I have no doubt they will have a lot of success with Penn State.”