Penn State Coach Joe Paterno Insists He’s Not Planning His Retirement

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Dec 28, 2010

He may be 20 years past the average retirement age, but Penn State head coach Joe Paterno is not even thinking about calling it quits.

The 84-year-old coach waved off all retirement rumors during a news conference on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. Paterno said he "honest to goodness" has not entertained any thoughts surrounding a possible retirement, and said he's still having fun coaching the Nittany Lions.

Sitting alongside Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer, who he will match up against in the upcoming Outback Bowl, Paterno told reporters that he's not happy to see Meyer leave coaching following their game on Saturday. Meyer announced his retirement earlier this season, citing health concerns and the desire to spend more time with family.

"I don't know Urban's situation," Paterno said. "I'm being selfish when I say I hate to see guys like that leave the game. To me, I'm different than Urban. I've got people calling up saying: 'When the hell are you getting out?'"

Paterno has been the head coach of the Nittany Lions since 1966, and posts more bowl game appearances (36) and bowl victories (24) than any other coach in history. He's also led Penn State to two national championships and five undefeated seasons.

"The situation around me is very stable," Paterno said. "The athletic director was a kid that I recruited as a walk-on, the coaches have been with me … the [school] president has been with us now maybe 14, 15 years. We have a lot of fun together. I don't see any reason to get out. … I feel great."

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