Paterno, 81, already looking forward to 2008

Posted December 30, 2007 10:00 pm

One of college football's poster boys for stability has outlasted yet another coach.

After a stinging 24-17 defeat to Penn State in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday night, Texas A&M is moving on from interim coach Gary Darnell to a new era under Mike Sherman.

In contrast, Penn State hasn't made a coaching change in 42 years -- and 81-year-old Joe Paterno is already starting to think about his record 43rd season on the sideline next fall.

With only four senior starters departing from a 9-4 team, could the Nittany Lions contend for a third national title in 2008?

"I always feel that way," said Paterno, relaxed and content Sunday after the Nittany Lions' third straight bowl win. "That should be our goal, to be in the hunt."

First, a little rest is in order after what Paterno called a "very, very difficult season" that included several players' off-the-field troubles.

And, of course, there are the nagging questions about Paterno's future. His contract expires after next season, and the coach repeated a phrase Sunday he's uttered for a couple of decades: "I'm going to coach a couple more years. "I don't even know what's in my contract, to be honest with you," he said.

-- Associated Press

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