Penn State’s New Coach Embraces Paterno’s Legacy

Matt Campbell, set to lead Penn State’s football team, is adopting a different approach towards the legacy of Joe Paterno compared to his predecessors. Paterno, a significant figure in the Nittany Lions’ history, was previously sidelined following the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Previous head coaches Bill O’Brien and James Franklin maintained a distance from Paterno’s legacy. Campbell, however, is taking a distinct stance by honoring Paterno and engaging with his family.

At his introductory press conference, Campbell frequently mentioned Paterno. He even keeps a photograph of him in his Lasch Building office. Furthermore, the school plans to open an exhibit dedicated to Paterno in the Beaver Stadium museum. This exhibit includes an office desk used by Paterno and various artifacts from his 40 years with the team.

The Paterno legacy at Penn State remains a topic of interest. While the library continues to carry his name, his statue was removed after the scandal. The upcoming museum exhibit seems to mark a re-emergence of Paterno’s memory at Beaver Stadium.

Campbell emphasizes the importance of understanding Penn State’s history as part of his mission. He believes the school’s rich traditions and past figures contribute to its distinct identity. “What makes Penn State so special is the history of this place,” Campbell stated. “It’s who came before us, what they’ve done, to allow us a platform to play in front of this unbelievable crowd.”

Under Paterno’s guidance, the Nittany Lions achieved remarkable success with two national championships in 1982 and 1986 and three Big Ten championships. Paterno’s record was 409-136-3 during his tenure. After his departure, the team has struggled to maintain that level of performance, experiencing only brief periods of success.

By acknowledging and embracing Paterno’s legacy, Campbell aims to position the team for a more consistent success moving forward.