Graham Spanier, You Are On The Clock
I respect Coach Paterno both on the field and off, as much as anyone ever could. Coach is a man of integrity, and a very generous and grounded individual as well. He shall forever be the face of our program, and most likely the University itself. He has instilled in us, the pride all feel for our program today, and has defined what the term "student-athlete" means.
That does not mean he should still be coaching. During the down years earlier this decade, I was a steadfast supporter of the opinion, "Coach should have his job as long as he wishes to remain, and is capable of doing so." Unfortunately, that last part is now questionable. Coach doesn't put the time in that he was so used to doing, that is no secret to anyone, or something new to most. Coach Paterno increasingly relies on his loyal assistants, for preparing the squad during camps and game weeks. We could all live with him being the figurehead in charge of keeping everyone focused and together. Problem is, without having all available information, Coach is the absolute authority on any and all decisions. Coach Paterno often squashes game plans after his staff works hard at preparing them (last week as an example), and dictates playing time for most personnel as well. This without having attending the majority of practices and workouts during most weeks.
Loyal to his assistants, Coach Paterno has protected some, even when their performance has suggested they should be dismissed. A few undeserving assistants have been promoted, and perhaps others were employed when perhaps they shouldn't have been. In an annual event akin to the swallows returning to Capistrano, Coach Paterno talks others out of retiring on an annual basis. Coach Paterno is loyal to a fault, the game has changed, and he has not evolved to keep pace.
Coach Paterno prefers to remain in the shell of his comfort zone. We are taught in basic management classes, that all decisions must be made in the best interest of the company, regardless of personal feelings. Perhaps this has nothing to do with "The Company," but rather at this point in his life, Coach prefers to have as many things around him remain constant. Many individuals who are much more educated in behavioral science than I, will tell us that type of behavior is prevalent in our later years. Although change is inevitable, in our later years humans attempt hanging on to things which are familiar, and rejecting those which are new.
At one time PSU was the model for all the NCAA. PSU graduated its players, and succeeded on field of play at the highest level possible. However, it has been a long time since I've heard that complete phrase quoted relative to PSU. We still graduate players at a rate that is the envy of many programs, and I hope that never changes. I am not one who wants Coach kicked to the curb, as the man has value to the program, and our university. There is no better role model of values and humility for our young men, nor is there a better fund raiser anywhere. When Coach speaks, people break out their checkbooks. His constantly reminding players that their education and integrity are important to their future, leaves an unmistakable mark in their lives. Coach, we have an enormous amount of respect for what you have done for us, and appreciate it more than words can express. As you have taught us over the past five decades, it is all about the team, and all of us should strive for success with honor. I am sorry Coach. Although painful to say and probably even more so to hear, it is time. If it is truly about the team with you, and I know your love for it and the young men you affect, one individual should not hold the others back.
It is the job of our University's President, to find a way to make Coach Paterno feel of value to the University and PSU's football program, while moving forward into the fuure. It is Graham Spanier's responsibility to do so in an acceptable manner to the Paterno Family, students, alumni and fans, and should be started by rededicating Beaver Stadium in the name of Coach Paterno. The act is inevitable, so why wait until it needs to be done posthumously. Let Coach Paterno enjoy the day he so richly deserves, by acknowledging his commitment and dedication to our Blue and White. The man has meant so much more to us that naming a stadium could ever convey, but perhaps might prove to be a curtain call to our most storied educator.
Graham Spanier, it is your move and you had better handle it correctly. Your legacy and future as well, might be directly related to how you handle Coach Paterno this time around. While his legacy has already been forged, yours is not. If you fail at this your mission, the Board of Trustees should consider any potential fumble to be your legacy, and act accordingly. We can find another President, but to The Pennsylvania State University, there will only ever be one Joseph Vincent Paterno. Your clock is ticking.
That does not mean he should still be coaching. During the down years earlier this decade, I was a steadfast supporter of the opinion, "Coach should have his job as long as he wishes to remain, and is capable of doing so." Unfortunately, that last part is now questionable. Coach doesn't put the time in that he was so used to doing, that is no secret to anyone, or something new to most. Coach Paterno increasingly relies on his loyal assistants, for preparing the squad during camps and game weeks. We could all live with him being the figurehead in charge of keeping everyone focused and together. Problem is, without having all available information, Coach is the absolute authority on any and all decisions. Coach Paterno often squashes game plans after his staff works hard at preparing them (last week as an example), and dictates playing time for most personnel as well. This without having attending the majority of practices and workouts during most weeks.
Loyal to his assistants, Coach Paterno has protected some, even when their performance has suggested they should be dismissed. A few undeserving assistants have been promoted, and perhaps others were employed when perhaps they shouldn't have been. In an annual event akin to the swallows returning to Capistrano, Coach Paterno talks others out of retiring on an annual basis. Coach Paterno is loyal to a fault, the game has changed, and he has not evolved to keep pace.
Coach Paterno prefers to remain in the shell of his comfort zone. We are taught in basic management classes, that all decisions must be made in the best interest of the company, regardless of personal feelings. Perhaps this has nothing to do with "The Company," but rather at this point in his life, Coach prefers to have as many things around him remain constant. Many individuals who are much more educated in behavioral science than I, will tell us that type of behavior is prevalent in our later years. Although change is inevitable, in our later years humans attempt hanging on to things which are familiar, and rejecting those which are new.
At one time PSU was the model for all the NCAA. PSU graduated its players, and succeeded on field of play at the highest level possible. However, it has been a long time since I've heard that complete phrase quoted relative to PSU. We still graduate players at a rate that is the envy of many programs, and I hope that never changes. I am not one who wants Coach kicked to the curb, as the man has value to the program, and our university. There is no better role model of values and humility for our young men, nor is there a better fund raiser anywhere. When Coach speaks, people break out their checkbooks. His constantly reminding players that their education and integrity are important to their future, leaves an unmistakable mark in their lives. Coach, we have an enormous amount of respect for what you have done for us, and appreciate it more than words can express. As you have taught us over the past five decades, it is all about the team, and all of us should strive for success with honor. I am sorry Coach. Although painful to say and probably even more so to hear, it is time. If it is truly about the team with you, and I know your love for it and the young men you affect, one individual should not hold the others back.
It is the job of our University's President, to find a way to make Coach Paterno feel of value to the University and PSU's football program, while moving forward into the fuure. It is Graham Spanier's responsibility to do so in an acceptable manner to the Paterno Family, students, alumni and fans, and should be started by rededicating Beaver Stadium in the name of Coach Paterno. The act is inevitable, so why wait until it needs to be done posthumously. Let Coach Paterno enjoy the day he so richly deserves, by acknowledging his commitment and dedication to our Blue and White. The man has meant so much more to us that naming a stadium could ever convey, but perhaps might prove to be a curtain call to our most storied educator.
Graham Spanier, it is your move and you had better handle it correctly. Your legacy and future as well, might be directly related to how you handle Coach Paterno this time around. While his legacy has already been forged, yours is not. If you fail at this your mission, the Board of Trustees should consider any potential fumble to be your legacy, and act accordingly. We can find another President, but to The Pennsylvania State University, there will only ever be one Joseph Vincent Paterno. Your clock is ticking.
Without arguing any of the particular points you made, I am truly curious about something. Were you ready to write the same opinion piece after the win over FIU? Or the big win over ND?
I think there is some merit to the argument that Coach has lost something in his later years, but I also think that we tend to overreact, wildly, to losses.
Just my humble opinion.
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I'd think lyon was much liek a lot of us, let's see how things go. Everytime we go on the road, we play not to lose. That's fine, as long as you practice that way. This week, the team practiced one gameplan, and at the last minute, joe changed it on them because he isn't comfortable throwing the ball as much as we probably should.
Coach Paterno has not changed with the game, we try to win games 14-10. That won't get it done anymore in football.
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it seemed to work well for Michigan.
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I think that great players and teams succeed despite sub-par assistants. I believe that this article could have been written after the 2005 season. Paterno means the world to PSU and he will always be cherished as our most admirable general.
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The Big Win over a Notre Dame team on pace to be the worst Irish team in 50 years?
Some Big Win.
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People need to get over this it's just 1 loss crap. Overreaction my butt. It's not just 1 game. Its the pattern of losses over the last 10 years of losses.
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NTTNY is not responding to a loss. I think his words are carefully chosen, and reflect a very long history following this program. His conclusion has evolved gradually, and probably quite unwillingly (like many of us).
Kudos to the author from this humble poster, and thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
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Isn't this the same as the JoePa Must GoPa post
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We all know that a decision has to be made regarding the future of the football program after this season, so we won't have to wait too long.
It seems clear to me that Paterno just will not leave on his own accord - there are already reports/rumors that he has asked for another extension. I hold to my view that Spanier will not extend Paterno and that 2008 will be his last season - unless Spanier truly wants to go outside the program.
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I don't think Spainer will relieve Paterno of his duties because if he does, he will only be remembered as the guy who fired Joe Paterno.
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Spanier does not have the cajones to relieve Joe of his post, he is too image concientious to pull the trigger. The frustration we feel today will continue until at least the end of next year, unfortunately. At that time Joe will hand his whistle to the one and only....wait for it....Jay Paterno. The program will take 10 steps back. I am not looking forward to this sad, sad day.
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Jay won't get the job. He won't even be on the staff. The University would not be able to handle the uproar, especially from the monied crowd.
Joe Paterno clearly has the power today to do anything he wants, but unless he is promoted to AD, the moment he steps down he loses the power to protect Jay.
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Joe may hand his whistle to Jay, but he'll never get a chance to use it as HC. There is no chance that Jay is HC at Penn State. Too many people know his "qualifications." And for one, I don't think Jay has the stones to even attempt to become HC. I think even he is smart enough not to go there. Or at least I hope so.
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Grandpa will not be around past next year.. for the love of god, here's hoping he hangs it up before he's a lame duck.. if he has any self respect he will retire after this season.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, the end is near!!!
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The last time Spanier and Curley went to Joe's house to fire him, they left with their tails between their legs.
I think the next time they go, the outcome will be different.
The last 81 year old man to coach a college team, was Eddie Robinson, who retired at 81, with the Grambling program a shell of what it once was.
Grambling is division two.
There are no other men who are 81 years old coaching division one football teams.
The job is for a younger man.
Take a good long hard look at Barry Alvarez. Have you seen him lately?
He looks about 20 years younger than he did when he coached. He lost weight, and looks terrific. Leaving the game was the best thing he could do, both for Wisconsin, and himself.
He handed the program over to Bielema, and Wisconsin has only lost one time since then.
Joe is a contradiction:
He built the program, is the greatest coach of all time, and is the best thing to ever happen to Penn State.
On the other hand, he has stayed for far too long now, and under his watch the program has slipped into a second tier program.
The best thing Joe can do, is retire after next year.
If he does not, Spanier and Curley need to do something about it.
And if they don't, then it won't only be the football program and the fans that suffer and decline...
...it will be the University as well.
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WFY nailed it. Spanier does not want his legacy to be the man that fired JoePa.
I think you're being a bit short sighted here. The turmoil from firing JoePa could set the program back. Right now PSU is perceived as a good job. If we run coaches out of town for not going undefeated every year then pretty soon we're Alabama. Remember how they couldn't get anyone to take that job and only got Saban by throwing a ton of cash at him.
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There is not one rational, objective observer who would think PSU is "running" Joe out of town if they do not extend his contract beyond 2008. For crying out loud, the guy will be 82 at the end of the 2008 season and PSU has more than showed their patience and loyalty by sticking with him through the losing seasons. There is no way Paterno not coming back to PSU after 2008 is analogous to Nebraska with Solich or other programs that were perceived to act irrationally and thus turned off prospective candidates for the job. For proper perspective remember this - PSU has had basically 3 football coaches since 1930, which is hardly the record of a program that "runs coaches out of town".
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The title of the post suggests Spanier is "On the clock" to get rid of Paterno before it's too late. If the post had suggested letting Paterno's contract quietly run out after 2008 I would agree with that. But I think firing him prior to that would do more harm to the overall program than good at this point.
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Who would you guys like to see replace Joepa? I'm a fan of Schiano. I also like Bradley and think he is deserving, but I'd rather see us get an offensive minded coach.
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I wouldn't mind Bradley as HC, as long as the offensive reins are truly given to the OC. Bradley and LJ Sr have a pretty good track record, in terms of recruiting. It would be a shame to lose either of them because of a total regime change.
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Notice: I will be at the Illinois game and the Iowa games, for sure, and perhaps others.
If I see an anti-Joe banner, I am tearing down.
If you are holding an anti-Joe banner, wear a helmet.
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I with you Chicago. I think it may be time for Joe to hang it up, but it is pure bs for anyone to disrespect Coach Paterno like that.
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You guys are morons and no better then anyone else. They suggest action based on performance and you suggest violence based on somebody else's freedom of speach. Impressive.
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I didn't suggest violence. Sorry for the ambiguity in my post. I just think it's ridiculous to show up chanting Joe must go. It's clearly a lack of respect for the man that deserves more than that. That's me expressing my freedom of speech. By the way, I don't dispute that I'm a moron.
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What does he deserve now? A great man but past his prime. Do we "owe" it to him to protect his assistants and his son?
Joe has received back much more than he gave and it is time.
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Please bring the banners, I love reading them. I am hoping they fire me soon, I need sleep. I am old. (yawn) Time for my nap.
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I'll have a banner. I'm 6'4" 260 so I won't need a helment. You don't be able to take if from me.
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There are only three people who can remove JoePa from his position: God, Sue and Joe.
Joe will be our coach until one of those three decides he's not. I love Coach and all that he's done for PSU; the pride that I feel when I wear my school colors is due, in large part, to what he's done over the decades.
We're watching the Autumn years of a legend and while we have plenty to gripe about, let's not lose sight of the privilege that we have of being associated with the same university as him.
I only hope that his last year is known before the year starts and can be celebrated by all college football fans as his victory lap. I also hope that he realizes that next year is the proper time for that.
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Joe WILL - without a doubt - try everything in his power to turn the job over to Jay. Will he succeed? I don't know. But it would be foolish to think that it COULDN'T happen.
Over the last 5-10 years Joe has sacrificed the program, and everyone who plays a part in the program, in his single-minded ambition to ascend Junior to the throne. The only reason "many" feel that Junior would never be the next head coach is that Junior "is completely unqualified". Think about that for a minute. If that is true - that Fredo is a complete buffoon - that has been true for his entire career. A career in which Joe has managed to move aside several qualified, veteran coaches to make room for Jay to become "QB Coach and OC". He has been able to bring in a retired lackey (Galen) to act as the front man. Don't be so certain that he will not be able to accomplish his ultimate goal - maintaining the Paterno Empire.
If you don't want this to happen:
Be vigilant and persistent in expressing your views
Contact anyone and everyone you know who may have any input in the process and let them know in no uncertain terms how you feel. Do this consistently - whether the weeks play results in a pacifying win, or another mind-numbing SNAFU.
Do it. Or regret not doing it.
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Why can't coach Paterno follow Schembechler's path? He could hand over the reigns to another coach, but still be around the kids and the locker room to give pep talks and comment on the importance of their educations. As pointed out in the article above, Paterno doesn't prepare as much as he needs to. He must allow someone else to make the coaching decisions that affect play on the field, while he can still help the team by inspiring them and by mentoring the young men that need his guidance academically and in the transition from kids to men.
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I'm a very proud alum and big Joe Paterno fan, but if you have followed the program closely for the past 8 years, you cannot really put your finger on one thing that Joe has personally done to make the program better. In fact, he's made it much worse because of the same selfish pride that made him great to begin with. It's time for him to look in the mirror and ask if he's really doing what's best for the program and what's best for the kids he's recruiting by sticking around. Honestly, all of those heartfelt letters he wrote to Derrick Williams and I don't know how he can look D-Will in the eye if Paterno continues to employ his obviously underqualified son and allows Anthony Morelli to continue to give away games.
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The reality is that Joe should have retired out direct operational input to the football program at least ten years ago, maybe longer. This isn't about the loss today; today's loss is simply the symptom of a much larger systemic rot of which this blog post hints at. It is clear that 2005 was an aberration, not a sign of things to come. An aberration willed to happen by the drive of Michael Robinson.
I understand Joe not wanting to retire, with his own mortality staring him right in front of the face. Afraid of quick death with no work to drive oneself is not uncommon among people a lot younger than Joe's age. The problem is, that can't be the reason for continued mediocrity. Nor can "because he wouldn't know what else to do" or "doesn't want to miss anything" as if those are reasons to be the head of a major college football program.
The Paterno mythology was that we don't have names on the PSU jerseys because it's about the team over the individual. The last 10 years that's been true unless that individual's name is Paterno. And the longer that goes, the longer Joe damages his legacy.
Spanier is between a rock and hard place. I doubt he plays hardball, and I doubt Joe lets the subject of his retirement even be broached by anyone else but him. Consider how he still craps all over Spanier and Curley in his press conferences for daring to bring it up when he was going through his fourth losing season in five. Don't think for a second Joe would call in some markers with the media to crap on Spanier if push came to shove.
No, I think Joe leaves the program only when he is physically incapable (e.g., bedridden) of being there.
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The bigger question here is if Scraps stays does everyone else? I think he would be a great head coach but if he is going to toe the company line then he should go as well. Jopa will never go if he feels he is being pushed out, what we need is a 05 type of year and tell him thanks and good bye because he certainly not leaving after a bad year. Our SR QB needs to taste the bench and start the grooming for next year.
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