When does loyalty become a liability? It’s a fine line for any business, corporation, or even individual. In the case of Joe Paterno and Penn State, that already thin line becomes oh so thinner.
When is the right time to ask a legend to leave? It would be one thing if his success was solely on the gridiron. In that case it would be simple mathematics. “You used to win nationally, you don’t as much in these later years, we’re going to kindly show you the door.”
That is of course assuming that Graham Spanier has the testicular fortitude to even suggest it might be time that Joe leave.
Fortunately, its not that simple. Paterno, as we all know, meant much more to his university, to his community, and to his sport than can be measured by wins and losses or championship trophies.
His graduation rates have always been outstanding and he consistently runs a clean program. When his players are bone-headed, he swiftly hands out punishment publicly and one can only assume privately as well.
It’s a breath of fresh air that such a character-driven man can be so successful. Sometimes the good guy can win despite the Nick Saban’s and Bobby Petrino’s of the world.
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The Penn State brass now have a very delicate decision on their hands. There are very few exiting circumstances that will sour JoePa’s stellar career. Conversely, if Spanier and Curley screw this situation up their own legacies, not to mention careers, could be very much at stake.
Do they fire a man who has not only won 370+ games, built PSU football single-handedly, and been around for a half century but also has done countless deeds for the university itself with one of the lowest salaries in the Big Ten? Or do they allow recruits to continue slipping away, unsure how long or how effectively the legend will coach?
Many fans believe Joe is holding the program hostage. It’s not a decision I would like to make, that’s for sure.
Of course, there are other factors impacting this situation. Recruiting is one as mentioned before. Also not to be taken lightly is the all-time wins record. None of us really know if Joe is hanging on just to outlast Bobby Bowden. Considering that reasoning would go against 50+ years of proven character decisions on Paterno’s part, my opinion would be that is not the reason he is still coaching.
Not only does the University need to be fair with Paterno, they also need to be upfront and honest with Tom Bradley, the man who looks to be his successor. Bradley’s been under Paterno for going on three decades. Considering how fast assistants come and go nowadays, that’s a level of loyalty almost matching the living legend himself.
It all comes back to that original question. When does loyalty become a liability? The man is 81 years old. He’s 29-9 over the past 3 years with bowl wins over 3 quality teams. Sounds like he can still coach to me.
At this point, its not unreasonable or irrational to keep him and this is the last year of his contract. After that, given he’s healthy and still effective they owe it to him to make one year contracts until he wants to call it quits or he’s incapable of doing his job.
This isn’t about nostalgia. This isn’t about money. This isn’t even really about football. This is about giving back to a man who gave you his everything for five full decades. Firing him now goes against every fiber of what Penn State has stood for over the years.
Joe deserves to leave in a good situation. God bless him and may God help Spanier’s soul if he screws up Paterno’s departure.
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2 months ago
Great article. Just a few comments: Lately a lot of players have been getting in trouble so the claim that he always runs a clean program is a little more suspect. I like that you pointed out that he has been winning recently so firing him would be ridiculous. His recruiting is fine, despite what many people say. And I don't think he needs an exit strategy either -- He should stay as long as he wants as long as the team is still having success, and Penn State always hires within house anyways so Bradley can easily get the job when it opens.
Penn State just needs some better play calling. Michael Robinson threw down the field a lot and he was considered a running quarterback -- they need to get back to that this year.
2 months ago
I agree with this assessment and support the arguments laid out in this article. With JoePa, punishment doled out to the few boneheads that squander their privilege is invariably swift and inescapable. Regardless, the Universities have become too trendy and ruthless with their decision making and dismiss without first having a successor tethered.
Sure, I love winning and have a competitive flair, however, is a "new" coach really the panacea to a "perceived" problem? Furthermore, "losing" recruits is all cockamamie as these recruits have not been tested at the D-I level. I will gauge this on the amount that actually make a difference at the D-I level, and earn their way up to the NFL.
In closing, JoePa is Penn State and it's Joe's call. People that argue for a different course are stubborn, selfish and off base. Simply put, it's parity and cyclical. If one wants to repudiate this, look no further than Oklahoma, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Florida State, etc. Sure, USC is climbing back atop again, but how about prior to their recent run?
Fans, pundits, and the rest would not have the opportunity to kvetch about this if it were not for JoePa's presence in the first place as he set the bar and led by example for all others to emulate.
2 months ago
Good article. Its a tough situation and I always go back and forth about it. Recruiting has obvioulsy done really well this year and we seem to have a great team for this 2008 season. My hope is we have a great year and Joe passes the torch next Jan. Who knows, he is obviously a legend and should be allowed to leave on his own terms but as you say, when does loyalty become a liablitly. Good article.
2 months ago
Let me first say I love JoePa no matter how much I may not like Penn State and their claim to be Linebacker U.... back to my original point though..... I think the only reason JoePa is still there is because he is afraid that what happend to Bear Bryant when he retired is going to happen to him. Coaching is his life and has been for many many years.. without it in his life I think he is thinking he will die.
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