Penn State Football: Joe Paterno Releases Statement on Bill O'Brien Hire

For the first time in over half a century, Penn State University has hired a new head football coach.

The new boss, according to reports, is New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. ESPN's Chris Mortensen claims Penn State will officially announce O'Brien's hiring on Saturday.

As for what the old boss thinks of O'Brien's hiring, well, suffice it to say he approves.

Longtime Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno released a statement about O'Brien, a fellow Brown alum, to the Associated Press on Friday.

"I understand Bill O'Brien has been named head coach, and I want to congratulate him on his appointment," said Paterno in the statement, which was provided by his family. "I don't know Bill, but I respect his coaching record, and I am particularly pleased we share a connection to my alma mater, Brown."

"Despite recent commentary to the contrary, Penn State football has always been about more than winning," he added. "I am hopeful this tradition will continue."

Paterno, of course, was forced out as Penn State's head coach in November in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal. The role he played in a now-infamous 2002 incident involving his former defensive coordinator has been the subject of endless controversy.

There's not much to be said about Paterno's statement itself, but the positive nature of it is in stark contrast of some of the other sentiments that have been expressed about O'Brien's hiring.

For example, former Nittany Lions linebacker LaVar Arrington told BlueandWhiteIllustrated.com that he is "done" with Penn State. He is frustrated that the school chose not to replace Paterno with a Penn State alum.

"Penn State is a family and it is real and if they choose to get rid of [interim head coach Tom] Bradley and not hire a Penn State coach, then they've turned their backs on our entire family," said Arrington.

Other players and alums have echoed Arrington's views.

The obvious counterpoint is that Penn State could stand to undergo a few changes. It's also safe to assume that O'Brien knows exactly what he is getting himself into, and that he will respect and restore Penn State's proud traditions.

At the very least, JoePa is willing to give him a chance.