Whenever it occurs, the PSU selection committee must choose a successor to Joe Paterno who is one of a kind.
A top name to pursue would be Brian Schottenheimer. Could he be interested? Could he be afforded? For someone who is highly regarded as NFL head coaching material, what would it take to lure him back to the collegiate circle?
Most certainly a very concerted effort by someone with financial leverage would be a great starting point. The excitement of hiring a coach with his experience and qualifications would immediately stir interest and jumpstart the program. That would be supported by the fact that his coaching pedigree is a family trademark.
Signaling the end to the Paterno era, nothing short of a big-name hiring could fill the void. The next head coach must not only be well known but must have a resume of success.
Geographically, having played at the University of Kansas and the University of Florida, he has the required experience at major college programs.
And as a backup quarterback at Florida, he was a member of the 1996 national championship team. Who would be a better representative for Penn State in big-time recruiting wars? And he might have influence in the talent rich south.
After his graduation, he gained valuable tenure in assistant coaching in both the NFL and at the major college level. He is known on the West Coast as having served at USC and with the San Diego Chargers. His stops have also been with the Kansas City Chiefs and in the East with Syracuse, the Washington Redskins, and he's presently with the New York Jets.
His value is underscored by having made a living of big-time playcalling and making in-game adjustments in the NFL. And he specializes in working with quarterbacks.
Landing a Brian Schottenheimer might be a longshot at best, but Penn State can ill afford not to hire the best qualified candidate, even if he is from outside the program.
Ed Biddle
Huntingdon
Ref appreciative
After 44 years and approximately 2300 basketball games (high school and college) I have decided to go to a warmer climate for the winters.
I want to thank all the District 6 athletic directors, coaches and players for the honor and privilege of officiating their games.
It is always nice to hear a former player yell, "Hey ref!"
Also, I would like to mention Dave Heim, the late Ron Rickens and Jim Andrews for mentoring me throughout the years. I wish my fellow officials good luck in the upcoming season, and thanks for the camaraderie we shared.
Rick Young
Conway, S.C.
