Penn State's Joe Paterno was once offered an OC job by the late Al Davis.
As college and NFL teams paid tribute to the passing of NFL legendary owner Al Davis this past weekend, Penn State’s Joe Paterno addressed his relationship with his fellow Brooklyn native. During a post-game interview after Saturday’s defensive win over conference nemesis Iowa 13-3, Paterno reflected on the passing of Davis stating, “he was a tough guy. I am sorry to see him go.”
Most don’t realize but when Davis became Oakland’s head coach in 1963, he offered Paterno an offensive coordinator position with a $18,000/year salary and a new car. “When Al got the job (in Oakland), he called me to be his offensive coordinator.” I told Al, ‘You know what? You and I would have trouble getting along,’ because I am smarter than you are.”
Joe Paterno, the great storyteller, is and always will be a classic. His Nittany Lions are an impressive 5-1 and are set to face Purdue next weekend for bowl eligibility.
