168 year-old Joe Paterno signs 4-year extension

[Vinny]

In related news, Penn St signed 532 year-old Jedi master Yoda to coach the linebackers....

Joe Paterno signed a four-year contract extension yesterday that will keep him as Penn State's head football coach through the 2008 season. Paterno, 77, is the oldest active head coach in NCAA Division I-A football and had one year remaining on a five-year contract. He hinted during a visit to the Duquesne Club last week that he might sign an extension soon.

If Paterno fulfills the length of the contract, he will be 81 during the 2008 season. He has found his joy late in life coaching the same game he has since 1950.

"I appreciate this extension and show of confidence in me and our football program," Paterno said in a prepared statement. "I still enjoy coaching and I'm excited about the upcoming season and the incoming recruiting class.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04135/316297.stm

[Mistril48]

I don't understand the extension beyond it was what Paterno wanted. It's good to see loyalty going BOTH ways. Paterno has always run a model program, always leading the nation in graduation rates among football players. He also has been very generous in gifting back to the school (for libraries, etc.) I believe.

[texasduece]

This could be a lifetime contract. 81, I would love to coach that long. One thing is for sure at this point it can't be for money, I think it is great.

[cap1]

I don't think that Paterno will retire until Bobby Bowden does. They are basically neck and neck in the All time wins colum. I just don't see Paterno living long enough to overtake Bobby B.

[rittenhouserobz]

Bowden is 75 and has an extensive pool of superior athletes; however, Miami and VAtech are moving into the conference and this might make the wins a little tougher to get.