December 16, 2008

Bowden-Paterno debate to rage on

Florida State coach Bobby Bowden and Penn State coach Joe Paterno are riding off into the coaching sunset. It's just going to take them a little longer to get there than some expected.

Word out of Tallahassee is that Bowden is expected to sign his usual one-year extension following the Champs Bowl. FSU has an agreement with coach-in-waiting for him to be named head coach by January 2011 or pay him $5 million, so the prevailing thought is that Bowden will retire after the 2010 season.

And the update from PSU says JoPa will sign a three-year extension. According to FightOnState, the deal could be signed and announced before the end of the week. A three year deal would keep Paterno on the sidelines through January 2012 if he finishes out the full agreement.

For those keeping score at home, Paterno is the winningest coach in college football history (383-126-3). Bowden (381-121-4) trails by JoPa by two wins.

UPDATE

Paterno's agreement is now official and may be extended (or shortened) at the discretion of PSU & Paterno.

University President Graham Spanier and Athletic Director Tim Curley announced today an agreement that will provide for the opportunity of Coach Joe Paterno leading the football program through the 2011 season. It was also agreed that the parties might re-evaluate their circumstances and alter the arrangement by either shortening or extending its length as necessary.

Comments:

Bowden-Paterno debate to rage on
Florida State coach Bobby Bowden and Penn State coach Joe Paterno are riding off into the coaching sunset. It's just going to take them a little longer to get there than some expected. Word out of Tallahassee is that Bowden is expected to sign his usual one-year extension following the Champs Bowl. FSU has an agreement with coach-in-waiting for him to be named head coach by January 2011 or pay him $5 million, so the prevailing thought is that Bowden will retire after the 2010 season. And the update from PSU says JoPa will sign a three-year extension. According to FightOnState, the deal could be signed and announced before the end of the week. A three year deal would keep Paterno on the sidelines through January 2012 if he finishes out the full agreement. For those keeping score at home, Paterno is the winningest coach in college football history (383-126-3). Bowden (381-121-4) trails by JoPa by two wins.

UPDATE

Paterno's agreement is now official and may be extended (or shortened) at the discretion of PSU & Paterno.

University President Graham Spanier and Athletic Director Tim Curley announced today an agreement that will provide for the opportunity of Coach Joe Paterno leading the football program through the 2011 season. It was also agreed that the parties might re-evaluate their circumstances and alter the arrangement by either shortening or extending its length as necessary.