Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien confirmed today that defensive line coach and star recruiter Larry Johnson, Sr. will remain on the staff in his current role. The announcement came at O'Brien's introductory press conference at the Nittany Lion Inn on campus. Johnson was spotted in the media seating before the event, sparking an immediate reaction on twitter that the assistant coach would be joining the new regime in Happy Valley.
The decision by O'Brien to ask and get Johnson to stay is a very important step in the transition for the staff. But just as important will be Johnson's ability to continue recruiting the current class of players for 2012. He has long been the most successful recruiter at Penn State, and should be able to at least salvage what work had been done over the past few months.
Considering O'Brien is set to return to the Patriots until their season is over--New England made the playoffs this season at 13-3--recruiting has and will continue to be a major concern for many in and around the program. But having Johnson around should alleviate some of the pressure.
As for on-the-field positives, keeping Johnson on the staff will ensure consistency at one of the team's most successful positions, defensive line. Johnson has produced more than a half-dozen All-American defensive linemen in his 11 years on Penn State's coaching staff. I'm pretty sure he was one of the most important assistants to keep in Happy Valley.
There was another unconfirmed rumor out there than O'Brien was also trying to keep linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden on staff. But I haven't seen anything more on that, and O'Brien said nothing of it in the presser. For all we know, it could be totally bogus, or they're simply working on getting his agreement to remain on staff.
Even if Johnson is the only former staffer to stay, it makes an impact on the team and community. O'Brien came off strong when promising to uphold the tradition and culture of Penn State football. I have a feeling that inviting and getting Johnson to stay will go a long way toward his improving his political capital among the fanbase. But it's not just that. Not at least trying to keep Johnson would have been a bad move in football terms.
One last word on Johnson, however. This seems to contradict what I've always thought, that Johnson would leave Penn State when Joe Paterno leaves. Granted, the situation is quite different than what he probably imagined surrounding Paterno's departure. But if Johnson's assumed intentions to leave the staff with Paterno were true, O'Brien must have made a pretty compelling case for him to stay, even if for only a year or two.
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2 recs | 155 comments
This will end up being the most important thing he does
LJ Sr is such a great coach and recruiter. I hope he gets promoted to DC but who knows.
zernbabyzern - January 7, 2012
Would love to keep vandy and let him be DC
Can’t keep TB…I wouldn’t want him looking over my shoulder.
Keep LJ/Vandy…HOME F’n RUN…all new O staff…maybe keep JayPA
SweepTheLeg - January 7, 2012
I absolutely love Scrap
but I agree that it probably would not be the best thing to keep him on. And I actually think keeping Jay around would be good if it is a non-coaches role. I don’t know what that would be, but it would be nice if it could happen
Nittany_Ryan - January 7, 2012
Can't argue with the J-Pa sentiment and don't know why
I seriously wanted him out when I observed ‘talented’ quarterbacks appearing to regress. I’m afraid to admit it may have something to do with keeping the name in the (active) family, and that’s not all bad, but he IS supposed to have a great rapport with the students….er, players. Maybe we can fund a position for “Grand Experiment Co-Coordinator” to go around and shake classroom doorknobs or something (I’m only half joking).
PSUMarine78 - January 7, 2012
I think I just respect him as a person
I was always impressed with his articles in CDT, I too have heard that he is great with the students, and I think the argument could be made that as Joe’s son, he is more personally invested and gets Success with Honor more than anyone still on the staff. Obviously, our coaches are walking examples of dignity and honor, but that is something Jay grew up with his own life. Its a family legacy for him. And he may have more of an interest in seeing Joe’s name restored (as much as it can) than anyone (including Joe). Maybe I’m just being sentimental but it would make me happy to see him involved somehow.
Nittany_Ryan - January 7, 2012
Yes
You said it far better than my attempt. 30+ years later, there’s no shame in being sentimental.
PSUMarine78 - January 7, 2012
Keep Jay by putting him on the radio broadcasting team.
He can’t interfere with the team, but is part of the team.
Ab4PSU - January 7, 2012
Or put him in charge of media relations.
I think he does well at that. He could also instruct (coach?) the kids on how to deal with the media. Just keep him away from doing any actual football coaching.
J Breezy - January 7, 2012
I think..
he’d actually make a pretty good AD someday.
Esteban d' Amur - January 7, 2012
Never thought of that - good thinking.
Could be. He does seem to be more abled at the administrative aspects than the coaching/teaching aspects.
J Breezy - January 7, 2012
Please God and Baby Jesus, NO!!! I have no solid reason why, but JayPa is, by far, my least favorite staff member.
LowcountryLion - January 7, 2012
If we somehow keep Vandy, I'll be extremely pleased
Now, if we keep him as the LB’ers coach AND hire a really good DC (Or by some long shot, keep Tom)…. well, then that’s be fantastic.
ICEICETHATGUY13 - January 7, 2012
I keep trying to convince myself
it’s not such a longshot for Scrap to stay, when you consider the options for all parties involved. It would solve a major issue for BO’B if Bradley stayed as DC.
Joe 96alum - January 7, 2012
If you read Tom's......
Address to the Troops, he acknowledged and thanked everyone from Joe on down and DisJoyner was not mentioned at all….this is my opinion only, but I think that all that went down since November and Tom’s meetings with Joyner and the fact that he was not going to be considered for HC, he feels that he is better off NOT on the staff. I hope that it won’t be true after BOB meets with the staff, but from all that I know, it will not happen. Tommay see himself as a distraction if he stays and Everyone knows that he is a PSU MAN through and through and would never let that happen.
DerryPharmer - January 7, 2012
Wouldn't be surprised
If Scrap took a year off or leapt to the NFL for a bit. I think Penn State Head Coach is still his dream, and while I hope BO’B has success, he’s not going to be here for years and years. Once Joyner reverts back to his role as a trustee — and is promptly voted out, though that is a topic for another day — the door may re-open for Scrap.
At least that’s what I keep telling myself to try to feel better.
kflintosh - January 7, 2012 via iPhone app
What are the chances he gets a look in the pros?
I don’t have any idea. I’d be surprised given that he’s been in college his whole career. That’d be a tough adjustment for a guy in his mid 50’s.
NuclearLion - January 7, 2012
I actually think there is a non zero chance that Scrap ends up as DC
I don’t think it lasts past next year, but I think its a job for a year that he loves. I also think he wants a head coaching position, and will start interviewing next year during the annual coaching carousel.
psuphysicist - January 7, 2012
Did LJ confirm he's still the D-line coach?
I thought I heard during the presser that he was only still on the staff.
Joe 96alum - January 7, 2012
I was going to post the same thing
I don’t think it is known yet what role LJ will have on staff, aside from recruiting.
Cari Greene - January 7, 2012
Yes, it was confirmed he will maintain his DL role.
Whether he gets a bump to RC as well is another story.
Jeff Junstrom - January 7, 2012
Junny, not to bust your balls,
but where did you see the confirmation? Just curious. Haven’t found anything definitive anywhere else.
psuwxman - January 7, 2012
See the 5:18 mark
Here.
Jeff Junstrom - January 7, 2012
Thanks!
psuwxman - January 7, 2012
Did I hear correctly that O'Brien will be the only person calling offensive plays next year?
If so, having one person calling plays will be nice.
psu2007 - January 7, 2012
That what it sounds like
Although I imagine that he will bring on some sort of assistant offensive coordinator. And maybe somewhere down the road have a full-time OC.
CyphaPSU - January 7, 2012
I can only hope he keeps the storied tradition
Of untimely end arounds. I need to yell about something, damnit.
psuphysicist - January 7, 2012
What about always running the ball to the short side?
That’s a tradition.
CyphaPSU - January 7, 2012
Fullbacks
I can’t decide if I will love him or hate him if his first play called is the fullback belly.
kflintosh - January 7, 2012 via iPhone app
Cant it be both?
jaytay13 - January 7, 2012
LOL!
I would thrilled to see an entirely new offensive staff just to see the GOD DAMN end-around play eliminated!
LowcountryLion - January 7, 2012
To be fair, the end-around has its place.
But that place, according to Galen and Jay, was EVERY place. Which then becomes problematic.
psuwxman - January 7, 2012
Yeah . . .
As a necessary precondition, you need to establish that you can run the ball with authority to the outside. Once done, an end around used sparingly can be very effective. But you must get the defense into the habit of over commiting.
SubLime - January 7, 2012
Then when you have the defense conditioned after 3.5 quarters
you run it up the gut three or four times in a row from the 1, ala 1978 Sugar Bowl, just for old times sake. Now that’s playing to tradition.
PSUMarine78 - January 7, 2012
I have a good friend down here
who was one of the interchangable-former-high-school-qb-white-guy-safeties on that Alabama team.
While he is a good guy, he on the other hand will bring that damn game up.
One of these days . . .POW
SubLime - January 7, 2012
That game defined my Penn State football experience
And JVP’s too for a while, understand he had a hard time getting over it. Used to hang out once in a while at a place in Gulf Shores while going to flight school in Pensacola, and get into some real shit-talking with the locals, but they too were pretty good guys all around. PSU-Bama has some good history, and they always treated us right.
PSUMarine78 - January 7, 2012
When I first got here 21 years ago,
we were at the end of that series with them in the 80s. There was, and is, lots of mutual respect.
By the way, my buddy played his HS ball at a little school south of Mobile in the GS direction — at least it was little 40 years ago. That area has blown up over the last 20 years.
SubLime - January 7, 2012
Given BoB's job history...
I suspect he’ll be able to fill out the rest of the staff very quickly. It will be interesting to see the personality of the new staff – I doubt he’ll retain anymore of the former coaches, however.
LJ Sr. was your bridge hire…but he’s going to want to surround himself w/ folks he’s comfortable with. Furthermore, having Scrap on staff might be a distraction beyond any preconceived and supposed attachment to the Sandusky scandal – a 30+ year assistant could be perceived as an unwanted threat.
There are some, as well, who’d like to see a change in styles – that LJ Sr coaches the line in a 4-3 is pretty seamless, even if he’s DC (which I doubt)…but Scrap’s used to teh bend don’t break – would he have the chops to change his thinking to match BoB’s aims on defense.
My 2 cents. So begins day 1 of the new regime…
pennst92 - January 7, 2012
I want NO ONE from
the fromer Duke, MD or GT staffs Coach O was part of. The former MD head coach we already have would be just fine though. Can’t see anyone else from NE coming but we’ll see.
pic15 - January 7, 2012
Anyone think this was forced on him
over the backlash from Short and Lavar? It would seem stupid(from a HC/CEO standpoint) to keep LJ as D-Line coach and bring in some schmuck from Nova as a D-Coordinator unless you did keep TB…..which ain’t happenin. Still not happy that Coach O is not jumping ship from NE. The whole committment thing discussed in several posts is pure bunk. NFL squads thing nothing about dropping guys in a heartbeat…….there is no loyalty in the NFL…..it is dog eat dog. You take the PSU job…you start now…day 1…..all in……not half-in and then all-in after the playoffs! Keeping LJ…..great. Love the guy…..great DL coach and the guy can flat out recruit MD, VA and NC…..but……Coach O is now the face of the program and there is a lot too be done right now. Seriously this man should be working 15 hour days for PENN STATE at least the next two weeks! Seems like he is too interested in keeping nice with Kraft and the Pats which is disturbing. Tells me he is eyeing this job as a springboard back to a head job in the league.
pic15 - January 7, 2012
Agree with you except.....
that DisJoyner doesn’t give a tinker’s damn about what any former players think….hell, he made his choice without the committee’s help and I do think that during the meetings with the coaches, LJSr was willing to come back in the same role as before and TB was interviewing for HC. Besides DisJoyner doesn’t want a HC more popular than he is.
DerryPharmer - January 7, 2012
DJ's actions have been baffling to me since the firing....
He always seemed like a JVP guy to me when I knew him (while he still had a practice and training clinic in Hershey….not sure he still does as I haven’t lived in PA since 97). Obviously his actions and those of the rest of the BOT painted him in a whole new light and I have advocated for his removal and the rest of the sellouts since their handling of JVP’s dismissal and subsequent presser. Was there some type of fallout between the two? Also as I noted in another post…..it amazes me his whole connection to the New England organization has been reported at ALL!
pic15 - January 7, 2012
WE ARE....
just like any other college in the universe….PSU is now officially a stepping stone job and unless BOB wins big or Loses BIG here, he’s not gonna stay forever…..those days are long gone….you only have to look in my area of the State and see that sPitt’s had 4 HCs in 13 months.
DerryPharmer - January 7, 2012
Chryst gives me more hope
Than Graham or Wanny ever did. I liked Wanny as a genuine guy and representative of the university, but he wasn’t that good. He deserved to be let go in a more dignified manner, though.
SlingStone - January 7, 2012
Hey Sling
Wanny was a good guy. Met him several times. But some times he got his x’s mixed with his o’s! He needed to go but Pitt didn’t handle it real well.
Looks like Chryst is a solid hire.
PaJoe - January 7, 2012
Chryst is a sensible hire
The whole list Pitt reportedly looked at this year was better than anyone they considered last year. What caused them to smarten up??
reedjohnmiller - January 7, 2012 via mobile
It's too bad for Pitt that Wanny couldn't coach.
He is a good guy and a Pitt guy. He wouldn’t have gone anywhere on his own accord.
But Derry is right. The days of the longtime coach at one school are over. Beamer is the last one.
J Breezy - January 7, 2012
petersen
bigs26 - January 8, 2012 via iPhone app
WAY too soon to say that about him.
J Breezy - January 8, 2012
Derry, you have great wisdom and insight
But to say that Penn State will be a stepping stone job really discredits everything that is Penn State. There were very few coaches that had tenures as long or close to as long as one Joseph Vincent Paterno. The Bear, Bo, Osborne, Woody, Bowden, Eddie Robinson, and Schnelly were in that 20+ year range. No one coach will ever last 20 years at a program in this day in age, it’s just not possible.
Also give me Pitt’s storied history when it comes to football. Honestly they don’t have nearly the history that Penn State does.
cmdpsu15 - January 7, 2012
Frank Beamer is on year 25 or 26... still possible
dwlion - January 7, 2012
Yup
I realized that after I posted it.
cmdpsu15 - January 7, 2012
The pro/college line is very muddy
I think in Bear Bryant’s time, college coaching at a big school was definitely a better job than the pros, but then that started to shift, which is why Joe almost went to the Pats 15 years ago. Nowadays, there’s plenty of money to be made in either but they each come with their own headaches. I think we’ll see more guys going back and forth.
BOB may stay a long time, but he might relish the Pats HC job someday.
I’m not bothered. Either way, he has every incentive to make PSU great over the next five years. If he succeeds and jumps to the NFL, we’ll be in good position to hire another great coach.
reedjohnmiller - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Don't Agree At All
I think the high profile flameouts of Steve Spurrier, Nick Saban and Bobby Petrino in the NFL will continue to work against college coaches wanting to make the jump to the pros. With all the job openings this year in the NFL for HCs you don’t see a single one of those teams looking at Les Miles or Saban or Chip Kelly or anyone else from the college ranks.
If BOB is going to leave PSU for the NFL it’s going to have to be for an OC position similar to how Charlie Weis left ND to eventually become an OC at KC. And the only way that happens is if he’s fired.
catesinator - January 9, 2012
Derry...
I love your insight, but I think you are wrong about this being a stepping stone job. Is LSU as stepping stone job because Saban went to the Dolphins? or USC because Pete C. went to the Seahawks? No. If BOB is really successful then maybe he moves on to the NFL. Worse things can happen. Or maybe he’s like Bob Stoops or Frank Beamer or Paterno and stays for a long time.
I’ll probably always miss Paterno, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the BOB era too.
Esteban d' Amur - January 7, 2012
When..
I met him he spoke highly of Paterno.
Esteban d' Amur - January 7, 2012
"...doesn't want a HC more popular than he is"
Unless he pulled a HS coach he would have been out of luck there. He has zero popularity except possibly with Erickson, who’s keeping a stiff upper lip about the whole thing
PSUMarine78 - January 7, 2012
No Kidding . . .
Coach Pol Pot would be more popular.
SubLime - January 7, 2012
Adi Amin?
pennst92 - January 7, 2012
Idi Amin.
Provided excellent discipline, but showed poor time management at the end.
Pete the Streak - January 7, 2012
Joyner isn't Erickson's man
Joyner is the Board’s guy. It’s unlikely that Erickson had much interaction with Joyner until this all hit the fan. As provost, Erickson had nothing to do with sports. Although I do know he went to the PSU-Minn game last year. He’s from Minnesota.
reedjohnmiller - January 7, 2012 via mobile
I don't think Joyner needed or should have consulted with former players
He is a former player and so is his son…PSU is a special place to him and other members of search group.
If you get opinions from tons of former players, it would have be an even bigger disaster.
Too many chefs in the kitchen…if LaVar or anyone else has a big problem with Joyner, tuff $hit. Go become a HC somewhere, build that resume, and come back to PSU
SweepTheLeg - January 7, 2012
Partially agree
There should have been some logical mechanism for them to provide input, but I agree that you cant make everyone happy.
reedjohnmiller - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Interesting thoughts
seem about 180 degrees from reality, but interesting none the less.
FB6244 - January 7, 2012
Reality being?
misdreavus79 - January 8, 2012
That Joyner cares about anything other than himself.
FB6244 - January 8, 2012
Odd longshor thought
He said we were going to be more focused on using the players talents in the best way against the teams we were playing. That sounds, in a way, like what Boise runs. Any chance we could pick up their OC? I remember seeing Florida was targeting him, so we’d probably be a longshot, but I just wanted to pose the question to the group.
PSUPing - January 7, 2012
If we couldn't get Peterson to come here...
How we gonna get his OC?
pennst92 - January 7, 2012
Little different pulling a respected HC from a school he apparently loves
But I dont know why that OC would want to make a lateral move like that,
skarocksoi - January 7, 2012
For as good as Boise has been
and as much as I love what they do, I would not consider OC at Boise to OC at Penn State to be a lateral move.
Nittany_Ryan - January 7, 2012
Well, for starters
it sounds as though they are two different people.
kijana's acl - January 7, 2012
BOB will call plays
Not sure if there will be an OC. Probably a bunch of O coaches, but he may be his own OC, which would free up a slot for something else, like special teams.
reedjohnmiller - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Moments after hazing Brady.
View from the Booth - January 7, 2012
Their Jam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WamkRSDeD8
Rogue Nine - January 7, 2012
Sekrah tweeted that Vanderlin is staying. So...
I hope he’s right?
millzners - January 7, 2012
That is to say
I would love to have Vanderlin, the ? was b/c Sekrah is about as believable as my toddler when it comes to reporting the truth.
millzners - January 7, 2012
Dude. S/he didn't eat the damn cookies.
The monster did.
What’s so hard to understand?
MainLion - January 7, 2012
Sounds like you run a dirty program in your house
How could you not have known about the cookie theft???
reedjohnmiller - January 7, 2012 via mobile
With the benefit of hindsight,
I wish I did more to prevent that theft.
MainLion - January 7, 2012
Well, since he was so accurate with the Les Miles thing...
ppfcpp - January 7, 2012
another patriots coach coming
Patriots receiver coach chad o’shea coming with O’Brien. A friend of mine in Massachusetts heard it directly from oshea’s wife who she’s friends with. Wish he would bring gronkowski too!
Lovethosefreakinnittanylions - January 7, 2012 via Android app
Gotta admit
So far we’ve kept our best defensive coach slash best recruiter, seriously upgraded our offensive play calling, and according to you I’d say we’re seriously upgraded our WR coach.
Now just give me a homerun OL coach and I’ll be elated.
millzners - January 7, 2012
After watching our OL coach(es) for the last few years
I think Mr Potatohead could legitimately get more out of the recruits we’ve gotten. Any replacement is welcome.
Rogue Nine - January 7, 2012
Seeing something on Twitter about
UCF’s o-line coach Brent Key and Cleveland’s QB coach Mark Whipple coming on board.
psuwxman - January 7, 2012
Not sure how I feel about the latter.
MainLion - January 7, 2012
Guy played some role in Roethlisberger’s development. I’ll allow it
OmarLittle - January 7, 2012
the rape part or the football part?
lionalum05 - January 8, 2012
MainLion - January 8, 2012
IDK, I'm reading about Whipple and I'm getting excited
He’s hit a rough patch lately, bouncing around the past 5 years, but a lot of that seems like he was just cut as a part of entire staffs being let go (Steelers when Tomlin came in, UMiami when Shannon got fired). His offenses when he was a HC were crazy and he helped develop Roethlisberger
psuwxman - January 7, 2012
Sounds fine
Also the Pats have a extra offensive assistant whose name I forget who ably backed up Joe Hamilton (whatever happened to him?) at GT when BOB was there. I have no inside knowledge, but logically, he’d make sense. Before joining the Pats, he was an assistant at CFU under O’Leary.
reedjohnmiller - January 7, 2012 via mobile
View from the Booth - January 7, 2012
What I really like about retaining LJ.
Other than LJ’s obvious skills, is that
O’BrienBOB is smart enough to not be stubborn and think that he can/has to do this all with his guys. I’m sure it’s tempting for a new coach in his situation to completely clean house and do things his own way, with his own people. So it’s pretty shrewd on his part, even if it’s kind of an obvious decision.Chris Grovich - January 7, 2012
My only concern
Is who will be DC and will he get along well with LJSr? LJSr should either also be DC or be named head recruiter. He’s the man.
reedjohnmiller - January 7, 2012 via mobile
I agree
LJ should be DC. I’m thrilled he’s staying but he needs to be promoted. I don’t see BOB bringing in a more qualified person
moosepsu - January 7, 2012 via Android app
If nothing else we've learned that being the most qualified has nothing to do with it.
PSUEnrg02 - January 7, 2012
Remember the timing too
Was it true that before the presser Bill already spoke with LJ, presumably already locking him up? In other words he didn’t wait a couple days, it was one of the first things he did. That speaks volumes not only of Bill being decisive, but also of how important Larry is to this program.
millzners - January 7, 2012
He's handled coming into a precarious situation very well
skarocksoi - January 7, 2012
This is a strong point.
He is signalling that he wants to join us, not rule us while instructing everyone on how we’ve gone wrong.
SubLime - January 7, 2012
Quality Assurance coach
Saw it somewhere, don’t recall the name (damn I’m getting old), but BO’B was bringing a coach from the South who was a Quality Assurance coach with an NFL team to play some role on his PSU staff. Anybody else see this?
kingkub - January 7, 2012 via mobile
This was rumored, but I don't think anyone confirmed it.
The guy though, is Charles London, quality control coach for the Titans. He was the RB coach at Duke when BOB was the OC.
ppfcpp - January 7, 2012
Just saw a tweet where Mark Whipple and the OL coach from UCF could be part of the staff as well
skarocksoi - January 7, 2012
Mark Whipple....that name sounds familiar
Was he anywhere else besides UCF?
GMac14 - January 7, 2012
mentioned in the Press Conference
as one of his great friends and someone he thanked IIRC
jaytay13 - January 7, 2012
Whipple is the QB Coach for the Browns,
also coaches some incredible small-college offenses in the 90s as well as developed Roethlisberger. Was on the Eagles staff recently, and on the staff with Randy Shannon that all got canned as a group by UMiami.
The UCF O-line coach looks like he knows what he’s doing though, consistently producing All-CUSA honorees and producing a 3rd-round draft pick since he took over as the o-line coach in…. 2008?
psuwxman - January 7, 2012
Can he make sure that the side reflector/light on my car stops popping off?
SubLime - January 7, 2012
Duct tape.
Man’s best friend.
PSU_Lions_84 - January 8, 2012
Here is London's bio
I think impressive, if not from an x and o thing, it appears he is high character. I would think he would be a great recruiter. Won several academic/athletic type awards.
PaJoe - January 7, 2012
Serious Question
What the hell is a quality control coach?
ppfcpp - January 7, 2012
all NFL teams have these
They are stats and analysis guys, rate players on film study, analyze where deficiencies in skill and scheme are based on what game plans were designed to do. Its a pretty all emcompensing position and usually pretty smart guys.
BMAN13 - January 8, 2012
guy from the titans
think his name might be London? I heard he was coming in as running backs coach.
Lovethosefreakinnittanylions - January 7, 2012 via Android app
I suggest we all watch both The Departed and then The Town
Just to get into the right frame of mind for our new coaching staff.
millzners - January 7, 2012
View from the Booth - January 7, 2012
please dont make the bahstan accent the new psu thing to do
skarocksoi - January 7, 2012
Dropkick Murphy's
Any chance we can get the Dropkick Murphys to record “I’m Shipping Down From Boston” for BO’B’s entrance for the Blue/White game?
kingkub - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Might as well make this an NFL playoff thread.
Seriously, why did NBC put Faith Hill in those stupid white capri pants? WHY?
Chris Grovich - January 7, 2012
Why don't they just trot Joan Jett out to perform this thing and keep it real . . .
Henry Rollins style.
SubLime - January 7, 2012
Whatever the benefit O'Brien sees,
I see this as insurance. If O’Brien fails, or if he leaves, you have someone in the wings who quite immediately and quite permanently (to the extent his age is a factor) could be head coach. And he’s someone that we—the pitch-fork wielding masses—would embrace with arms wide open.
…
Admit it. With those last few words, you, too, were imagining Scott Stapp’s voice.
MainLion - January 7, 2012
I gotta tip my cap
to the leather suit though…
View from the Booth - January 7, 2012
I gotta be honest here,
the second time I read through it, I sang the words to myself in his voice….
View from the Booth - January 7, 2012
did you keep your...
receipt for the pitchforks?
Esteban d' Amur - January 7, 2012
I never return pitchforks.
“If” plays no part in whether I will use them. Only “when” and “why”.
MainLion - January 7, 2012
Texans win virtually ensures the Steelers will face the Pats. If they can get past Tebow (which at this point shouldn’t be that hard). Brings us one step closer to getting our coach full time. ;-)
michellemtsu - January 7, 2012
The Stillers can't score though
I view the Steelers-Broncos game as a toss up. Two good defenses vs two offenses that can’t score. The game will be decided by an interception, most likely, and I’m not sure either team will hit 10 points. Even if the Steelers get out of Denver with a win, I think they have no chance of beating New England.
Gopher Broke - January 8, 2012
I'm sorry
Did you just mention the Denver Broncos and good defense in the same sentence?
psuphysicist - January 8, 2012
Can't believe the Steelers lost to Tebow.
Ike Taylor is usually decent, but he had a bad game today. But you have to give Tebow credit – he made some really nice throws and only had a couple awful ones.
The Steelers are just SO old and beat up. Give the Steelers Pouncey and Mendenhal, and a healthy Roethlisberger and I don’t think it would have been close.
PSUEnrg02 - January 8, 2012
Serious question
Do we use the apostrophe or no? Do we go with BOB or BO’B?
I was impressed with the pc today, said all the right things, etc. Just couldn’t shake the thought the he seemed in over his head. But, keeping LJ on shows he’s smart enough to understand he’ll need some help.
speedomike - January 7, 2012
I like BOB. Fewer keystrokes. ;-)
michellemtsu - January 7, 2012
Regarding New Staff
Does anyone know if most big-time programs have an actual special teams coach, or do most schools do what we do and assign different areas (punt return team, kickoff team) to various other assistants?
I know there are restrictions on how many assistants you can have on a college staff, but i’d like to see ONE guy in charge of special teams.
phillyinvegas - January 7, 2012
some coaches do, some don't
some have the HC in charge of special teams.
Cari Greene - January 7, 2012
Ron Zook
skarocksoi - January 7, 2012
there's also some decent ones, too
Cari Greene - January 7, 2012
Beamer
BMAN13 - January 7, 2012
Meyer too
I just wanted to remember Ron Zook one last time.
skarocksoi - January 7, 2012
Does anybody have a link to the transcript of the press conference?
Ben16 - January 7, 2012
it was supposed to be up at gopsusports.com
Cari Greene - January 7, 2012
I'm late to the party but I'm going to weigh in on everything today.
I love the hire. He’s only 42. Can’t imagine Penn State has a coach younger than me (I’m 44). Am impressed by his blow-up with Tom Brady. If he has the guts to go at Tom Brady like that, he’ll tear into any of our players that need it. When was the last time we saw that kind of intensity from Joe on the sideline?
Thought he handled himself perfectly in the presser. I loved how when he was asked about Arrington and the doubters, he said that he hopes they’re given a chance, that the former players will ALWAYS be welcome back, that THEY were the ones who made Penn State what it is and made the job what it is. They are going to game plan every week, which to me means they will adjust according to the opponent, and not just do the same old shit from the last 35 years and hope it works.
I think keeping LJ is crucial. Now keep Vandy, and the rest can go. DL and LB have been the only positions the last decade that have excelled. Everything else has either been above average to downright mediocre. Therefore, everybody else can go. Even Bradley. While Bradley has been extremely gracious under duress and the dutiful son, I think it’s time for him to go. The zone defense scheme to me is outdated. I think we need a whole new defensive and offensive concept to our program.
I’m so excited I could almost cry. I haven’t been this excited about a season for a long time. Who knows what the future holds? I guarantee it’s going to be something DIFFERENT. I can’t wait to show him our support and who we are.
Assuming a noon kickoff for our first game,
237 DAYS 14 HOURS 23 MINUTES 18 SECONDS UNTIL KICKOFF!!!
Ab4PSU - January 7, 2012
So he's made one official decision so far and it's a homerun.
If I was only allowed to keep one guy from the current staff LJ would be it. This news makes my day.
If I could only keep two, Vandy would be next. Sure hope the rumor about him staying on too is true.
J Breezy - January 7, 2012
I teared up when announced at press conference....
My gf noted that I might not tear up for my first born. UMass alum just doesn’t get it (though she’s probably right haha)
NittanyAlum02 - January 8, 2012
Different, eh?
Careful what you wish for. Different might mean consistently 4-8 instead of 8-4. While I don’t believe that will happen its sad that the prior staff have been lightning rods for guilt by association…and it doesn’t change the fact that Joyner is a tool and Erikson a BoT lackey.
But…
As I’ve said 100 times today I wish BoB the best.
pennst92 - January 7, 2012
Could be 4-8 vs 8-4.
But could also by 11-1, or 14-0. If we’re all honest here, did anybody think we were looking at any 14-0 seasons under the current staff and the way we game plan and strategize?
Like I said above, I haven’t been this excited about a season in several years.
Ab4PSU - January 8, 2012
1 loss team 6 years ago...
2 loss team 3 yrs ago. That was pretty typical outside of the run from 00-04 where we were terrible. And before getting too excited we have to secure what we have w/ this recruiting class first. Again, my feelings regarding the administration aside, I support BoB…but I’m hardly excited, and I plan on taking the long view on this hire. Get back to me in 3 or 4 years and let’s see where we stand.
pennst92 - January 8, 2012
Better temper that excitement.
Don’t forget who the qbs are that are coming back. That alone dooms next year’s team, not to mention all the starters they lose from this year.
No coach can overcome the great handicap this team has at qb.
J Breezy - January 8, 2012
I'm still holding out hope for Bolden
Someone with a fresh perspective and new coaching can do wonders for a kid with obvious raw talent. Its purely cerebral for the kid right now, and he seems smart enough to get it. That is to say he’s not Morelli.
Also, I’m holding out hope for PJ as well. If the rumors are true, he’s a hell of a football talent. He needs to get his grades in order. He has a semester and a summer to do it.
psuphysicist - January 8, 2012
I've pretty much given up on Bolden.
I was solidly in his corner when the season started, but now he’s completely lost me. I hope I’m wrong about him, but I have a feeling he’s just bad.
I agree there is still a lot of hope for Jones. The problem I have with him is even if he does get his grades in order (and keeps them that way) and does win the job, PSU then has a starting qb with no game experience. You know there will be “growing pains” with that…ones that will cost the team a game or two at some point. Same holds true should some incoming freshman win the job (which is highly unlikely).
The bright spot is should Jones or an incoming freshman win the job next year then the following year should be pretty solid at qb.
J Breezy - January 8, 2012
I'm holding out hope for McGlon.
Give him an offense that lets him get into and stay into rhythm, and some WRs that can catch the damn ball and I think he could be an average Big 10 QB. He’s got good enough arm strength and an above average deep ball that he’s not afraid to unleash.
IMO Bolden could probably actually use a redshirt to collect himself and figure out whatever the hell his problem is.
PSUEnrg02 - January 8, 2012
LOLions
I don’t know how you can look this bad with Suh and Johnson and all the other top picks they have but… I guess the Saints will do that to you.
millzners - January 7, 2012
I'm an idiot
Everyone on ESPN was picking like a 45-41 game so i went to the sports book up the street and took the under (59 1/2) considering they’re always wrong about everything. Damn you ESPN idiots for one of the few times you were right.
phillyinvegas - January 7, 2012
The Lions..
DB’s are terrible. I like their D-line. The LB’s could be better too, but aren’t horrible.
Esteban d' Amur - January 7, 2012
I just don't know how you can have that many top picks
And not have a running game, and not have a top defense. I just don’t know how they wound up like… Oh yeah Matt Millen.
millzners - January 7, 2012
Millen hasn't been there in like 4 years....
and nobody really plays that great a D in the NFL anymore because of the rules.
Esteban d' Amur - January 7, 2012
It's probably generational,
but I like Matt. He is an honored Penn Stater in my mind.
SubLime - January 7, 2012
I like him too.
I actually think he was pretty good analyst prior to his GM gig. Now, he kind of dumbs it down, but I don’t know if that his him or the producers in his ear.
Esteban d' Amur - January 7, 2012
And Millen does have one of the most classic lines ever
I once read where Millen said, after Joe took away his captaincy (don’t know if that’s a word or if i spelled it right if it is) for Millen refusing to run the pre-season half-mile that “hey, if i have to chase a guy for half a mile, he’s probably gonna score”.
phillyinvegas - January 7, 2012
that is pure win... great quote
TheMightyErik - January 8, 2012
Matt Millen has always been a Penn Stater.
In spite of having his captaincy taken away and the debacle of his being GM of the Detroit Lions, I have been totally impressed by how he has covered this entire mess. I love his quote about the hiring of Bill O’Brien: “I look at it this way: You can either complain about it or get on board with it. I’m getting on board.”
Maybe age has brought wisdom to Millen and calmed the stubborness and the brashness of youth. I agree. I’m getting on board. Can’t wait to see them play in September.
I AM HYPER-PSYHCHED!!! LET’S GET IT ON!!!!
Ab4PSU - January 8, 2012
Matt Millen makes Isiah Thomas look like a good GM.
I like Millen, but he’s the worst GM in the history of any sport ever.
He took a playoff team and by the time he left they were an 0-16 team.
And he was addicted to drafting wide recievers. It was ridiculous.
The Heel - January 8, 2012
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