The Penn State football program will be moving forward without a Paterno on the staff for the first time in decades.
Jay Paterno is leaving Penn State's coaching staff after spending 17 years as an assistant under his father, Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno.
The younger Paterno worked the last 12 seasons as the quarterbacks coach. His departure was expected after the school last week named New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien to succeed the elder Paterno as head coach.
In a statement, Jay Paterno said he spoke with O'Brien and that the two “reached the conclusion” he would not be part of the new staff. He said he would spend the next few weeks consulting his wife and family about options both inside and outside of football.
Jay Paterno thanked fans for their support and wished good luck to the program.
In the aftermath of child sex abuse charges against retired assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky,the elder Paterno -- the most winning coach in major college football history -- was fired Nov. 9 after 46 seasons leading the Nittany Lions.
Sandusky waived a preliminary hearing last month and has denied the charges. He is awaiting trial.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our sports newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
