O’Brien made it clear from the beginning his goal was to coach in the NFL. He interviewed for a job after his first season and renegotiated his contract. In his second year he got his buyout lowered significantly and then landed a NFL gig. I have no problem with any of that but he did b.s. some high level recruits/players that he’d stay through Hackenberg’s (freshman qb) college career which seems a little greasy.
Really, he was always going to be a transition guy and although the transition was a little shorter than I’d originally hoped for it might actually be good timing for everybody involved. He saw Penn State through a very rough patch and did a good job of it. It’s quite possible his replacement will be both a better coach and one that will bring more stability to the program.
As for the “Paterno people” thingy, I immediately thought he was putting on a show for a columnist who’d buy in hook, line and sinker. “Boo hoo, the ‘Paterno people’ make it tough.” I think it was an attempt to give himself an excuse and at the same time cast himself in a sympathetic light. It wasn’t necessary but I will say it made him leaving easy to take. Thanks. . .bye
Pretty much how I see it Hayride.