Bill Cowher to Replace Joe Pa as Penn State Coach?

Morning Report: Penn State coaching possibilities

By Don McKee
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER


It will be time for musical coaches soon, as any number of college and pro jobs will be open.

The biggest of them all might be Penn State, where Joe Paterno's continuing struggles with leg injuries could lead to the end of an era nearly 60 years long.

Many years ago, Paterno noted that most coaches had to retire when their legs went. He's also said he would get out when he no longer could lead his team out of the tunnel, which he did until this fall.

There are three theories on what will happen when Joe finally surrenders to age.

1. A current assistant, probably Tom Bradley, will be elevated.

2. A member of the "Penn State family," such as former Lions all-America Mike Munchak (now the offensive line coach of the Tennessee Titans), will be named. Former Paterno assistants such as Greg Schiano of Rutgers and Al Golden of Temple also fit in this group.

3. A person with no ties to the program, but a sufficiently "big name" to withstand the pressures of following Paterno, will be named.

Bill Cowher long has been the favorite of those who want to go outside, but Lane Kiffin, fired last week by the Oakland Raiders and a onetime assistant at Southern Cal, would also would be a vastly popular choice.
The Penn State job will hold up many other potential college football moves until it is resolved one way or the other. And it's not a sure thing that Joe is going anywhere. READ MORE