Joe Paterno, 83, plans to coach in 2011

[Auggie]

Associated Press / 11-23-10

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Joe Paterno says he plans to return as Penn State coach next season, putting an end to any speculation about retirement.

The Nittany Lions meet Michigan State (No. 10 BCS, No. 11 AP) in the regular-season finale on Saturday, leading some fans and writers to wonder if this would be the 83-year-old coach's last appearance at Beaver Stadium.

JoePa said his team has struggled at times this year because of youth and injuries, but that the Nittany Lions have a chance to be good next year.

"I'm looking forward to it. ... We've struggled a little bit this year, the youth and the injuries and the whole bit," Paterno said Tuesday at his weekly news conference at Beaver Stadium. "But I think with a good spring and preseason practice ... We're going to be a good football team, and I'd like to part of it."

MORE: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5842639

[trumad]

1. unlike Bobby Bowden---JoPa has surrounded himself with good coaches

and staff.

[joeybee12]

2. UPDATE: Joe Paterno intneds to stand in press box and pretend

he's the coach in 2011.

[Capt. America]

4. +1, Thank you. The emperor is not wearing any clothes. He doesnt even hold a playbook or talk on the

headset.

[Dulcinea]

3. JoePa will coach as long as he's physically able to do so.

They'll carry him out of Beaver Stadium in a pine box. I don't think he'd know what to do with himself if he retired.