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Jay Paterno weighs in on the Penn State coaching search | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 19:42 GMT by Sporting News
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Jay Paterno Weighs Penn State Coaching Search: A Family Perspective on the Future of Nittany Lions Football

The death of legendary Penn State head coach Joe Paterno in 2012 left a void that reverberated through the football world and the campus itself. While the university ultimately hired James Franklin in 2014, the search for a successor in the years that followed continued to be a topic of intense speculation. In a recent interview with Sporting News, Jay Paterno—a brother of the late coach, a former Penn State athlete, and an entrepreneur—shared his insights on what the program needs next and how the family envisions preserving the legacy of the “Penn State” brand.

A Legacy in the Making

Jay Paterno, who was a standout quarterback for Penn State in the 1970s and later became a successful businessman, explains that the Paterno family has always been deeply involved in the athletic department. In the interview, he recounts his father’s emphasis on “integrity, respect, and responsibility.” He says that those principles remain central to how the family thinks about hiring a new coach.

“Joe believed in building a culture of accountability,” Jay notes. “When we talk about the future of Penn State, we’re not just looking for a successful on‑field product. We’re looking for a coach who shares those values.”

The Search Has Evolved

Since the initial hiring of James Franklin, the coaching search has taken on a more refined character. While Franklin’s tenure has been marked by a return to competitive consistency and an uptick in recruiting successes, the Paterno family has expressed that there are still unmet expectations—especially concerning the depth of the program’s recruiting pipeline and the long‑term sustainability of the football team’s growth.

Jay Paterno also comments on the broader context of college football hiring practices, noting that many institutions are now looking for “high‑profile candidates” who can command national attention and bring in top recruits. He highlights the debate between hiring a seasoned veteran—such as former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer—or a younger, high‑profile figure like current Ohio State offensive coordinator Mike Leach. The discussion reflects a larger trend in college football: the need for both on‑field acumen and marketing savvy.

Who Might Be Next?

In the interview, Jay does not name a definitive candidate, but he does offer a list of qualities that he believes the ideal head coach should possess:

1. Recruiting Expertise – The ability to attract top talent across the country, especially in the talent‑rich “cradle of football” region.
2. Defensive Mindset – A strong defensive philosophy that aligns with Penn State’s storied tradition of producing NFL defensive players.
3. Respect for the Program’s History – A deep appreciation for the Paterno legacy and the university’s expectations.
4. Community Engagement – A willingness to be a visible, positive presence within the Penn State community, reinforcing the “family” culture that Paterno values.

He cites former Ohio State assistant coach and current head coach of the University of Tennessee as an example of someone who could meet these criteria, though he clarifies that it’s not a direct recommendation.

Family Involvement and the Role of the Athletic Director

Jay highlights the pivotal role of the Athletic Director, who, according to him, should act as a bridge between the Paterno family’s values and the university’s administrative needs. He recalls how, during his father’s tenure, the athletic director was involved in major program decisions—such as hiring assistant coaches and making public statements—while respecting the coaching staff’s autonomy. This partnership, Jay suggests, could be replicated in the current search.

A Message to the Fans

Perhaps the most emotionally resonant part of Jay’s interview is his appeal to the Penn State fan base. He urges them to focus on the future rather than the past, acknowledging that while Joe Paterno’s legacy is indelible, the current program has a chance to forge its own path. He says:

“It’s not about replacing Joe. It’s about building on his foundation. We’re looking for someone who will take the program forward and make us proud.”

A Broader Perspective: The Role of Coaching in College Sports

Beyond the specifics of Penn State, Jay's insights touch on a larger conversation within collegiate athletics: how coaching hires are increasingly intertwined with media, branding, and the student‑athlete experience. He argues that a coach today must be not only a strategist but also a public figure who can engage a national audience and secure sponsorships, which in turn can be used to support academic programs and student‑athlete scholarships.

This perspective echoes a sentiment expressed in a related article on Sporting News titled “The Changing Face of College Football Coaching,” which outlines how the roles of coaches have evolved to encompass broader responsibilities beyond the gridiron. Jay agrees that this shift is inevitable and must be embraced by programs that wish to remain competitive.

What’s Next?

While the interview concludes with Jay Paterno’s hope that the search will yield a leader who embodies both the spirit of the program and modern coaching acumen, he does not provide a concrete timeline. He notes that the decision will involve consultations with the board, athletic department officials, and ultimately the Penn State community.

In the coming weeks, Penn State’s official website is expected to release further details about the search process, including potential candidates and the criteria they will be evaluated against. Meanwhile, fans and alumni will likely continue to weigh in on their social media platforms, debating whether the next coach should be a seasoned veteran or a rising star in the world of college football.

For now, the weight of the decision rests not only on administrative committees but also on the collective memory of a family that helped shape a university’s identity. Jay Paterno’s willingness to voice his perspective adds an essential voice to the conversation—one that reminds all stakeholders that the future of Penn State football is both a continuation and an evolution of its storied past.