Well ESPN has now just broken the story of the day. 84 year old Joe Paterno plans to return as head coach for the 2011 season . Oh by the way, that sound you just heard are the Nittany Lion faithful yacking over in the corner.
How in the world can Penn State fans be excited about this? The program is in a steady decline and doesn’t appear to be recovering anytime soon. Paterno does not look good and if you have to be wondering how his health will even allow him to make it through 2011. And on top of all of that, how does any 18 year old HS star committ to play for a 84 year old head coach? If a prospect signs with Penn State you have to be know that there will likely be a coaching change before you’re career is done. What is Paterno still going to be head coach four years later at 88? Will he even be alive at 88? Not trying to be critical, but these are tough questions Penn State boosters and fans must ask themselves.
Listen, no one liked the way it ended for Bobby Bowden at Florida State. But sometimes as people age their objective thought process goes with them and these legendary figures (in their mind as well) believe all of their great success is still relevant in today sports world. And the only way to do what’s best for the program and often time the head coach is to show them the door.
However, Joe Paterno should be given a chance to keep his dignity intact. This occurs by having someone close to the coach, a loyal friend or former coach, who tells Paterno that it really is time to step aside for the good of Joe Paterno and most importantly the good of Penn State. If not, I am afraid the Nittany Lions will have to take the FSU approach.
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