(2003-01-31) — Joe Paterno, the winningest coach in Division I-A college football history, today for the first time put a definite end point on his Penn State coaching career.

Mr. Paterno, age 76, signed what he is calling his “final contract” to coach the Nitanny Lions until the year 2084.
“It was a tough decision,” he told a hastily-gathered press conference. “But everybody’s got to hang up the Nikes at some point. I want to shoot straight with the kids I’m recruiting. Right now, I can honestly say to a kid, I’m going to be here only another 81 years.”
In the year 2084, the coach said he would start planning who would succeed him in the role he’s already held for 37 seasons.
“I know my assistant coaches will be excited to hear this,” Mr. Paterno added. “As much as they enjoy coaching under me, it’s natural for a man to want to be the top dog. Now they know when they’ll get their shot.”