Prepare Yourselves Michigan, The Nittany Lions Just May Need a Football Coach Soon

First of all, let me say this is the furthest thing from an anti JoePa article.  Unfortunately, Joe Paterno, the head football coach of THE Penn State University is not getting any younger. 

As you may well know, there have been opinions spanning the last three or four years that have cultivated many rumors of the future of Coach Paterno. 

However, when the rumors and opinions begin to erupt, so does the continuing legacy of the best coach in the NCAA.  When it seems the decision to get rid of Paterno is threatening, he always ends up taking care of business on the gridiron (that means football field for you soccer fans) thus, quieting his critics for yet another season. 

Many rush to blame JoePa for the off-field antics, in which some PSU players have recently chosen to partake.  Nevertheless, the parents of these overly rambunctious teens are still never mentioned as being contributors to such erratic behavior. 

"It's the coach's fault these boys get into trouble, we all know their parents raised them so very well." That's just preposterous! Parents need to teach their children to act respectfully, especially when they are getting a free education.

Although, when a player decides to make a mockery of himself and his team, it is the responsibility of the coach to take a stand. At this point, the coach cannot allow a player to assume he can do what he wants, when he wants, for the simple fact that he's a great football player. 

JoePa knows how to discipline.  Just ask Austin Scott. Not only was JoePa's disciplinary action the best move for the football program but, the best for the young Mr. Scott as well.

Take former WVU players, Chris Henry and Adam 'Pacman' Jones for instance.  Both had trouble on and off the field while playing for Rich Rodriguez.  Coach Rod chose not to discipline them in the proper way.  Look at where they are now.  Nothing but trouble in the NFL.

OK, so the fact is JoePa is getting older.  Some of the trustees for PSU sports would probably not beg him to stay if he hinted he wanted to leave. Furthermore, JoePa will never be forced to leave the program that he built into what it is today.

Now for the Wolverines.  Keep in mind that the No. 1 reason that Coach Rod gave when asked why he left WVU to go to Michigan was "it's Michigan". 

Of course he was speaking of the great football program and the history of the school.  He has a good point but c'mon, everybody knows that Penn State is the dream job for any football coach. 

So, watch out U-M.  I imagine a statement something like this in the near future: "I left Michigan, No. 1, because it's Penn State and No. 2, my son has already committed to the Nittany Lions class of 2010. Oh yeah, and it's a lot closer to home..."