In a move that is far from surprising, multiple sources are now stating that embattled Penn State coach Joe Paterno will retire at the end of the 2011 season, leaving the NCAA Division I coaching wins leader only four or five games left in his long career. His son, Scott Paterno, confirmed the report this morning:
Legendary Penn St. Nittany Lions football coach Joe Paterno will retire, son Scott Paterno has confirmed to the Patriot-News' Sara Ganim. Paterno will finish out the season before stepping down, says his son.
Paterno recently became the leader for most wins by an NCAA Division I head coach and the Nittany Lions are 5-0 in the Big Ten, leading the Leaders Division by two full games with three to play. This Jerry Sandusky scandal has cast a pall over what would otherwise be a solid farewell season for the legendary coach. Penn State can wrap up a berth in the first Big Ten Championship game this weekend if they defeat Nebraska, Purdue defeats Ohio State, and Minnesota upsets Wisconsin.