TAMPA, Fla. – Penn State athletic director Tim Curley plans to meet with Joe Paterno next month and expects the 84-year old coach to return for the 2011 season.
Curley, at an Outback Bowl luncheon Wednesday, said no date has been set for the meeting. Paterno, on Tuesday, insisted he has no plans to stop coaching after this week's game against Florida.
"Right now, we're just going to focus on Florida," Curley said. "Get back home, get a chance to visit and then look forward to a great season next year. We've got a lot to look forward to next year."
Paterno said during a news conference Tuesday rumors he may quit after Saturday's game against the Gators were "ridiculous." He said he felt great and is still having fun coaching and that he "honest to goodness" had not entertained thoughts of stepping down after 45 seasons leading the Nittany Lions.
"One of the things that's always been a strength for Joe is his focus," Curley said. "He's really focused on what we've got to do and what's in front of him. He worries about the things he can control and that just makes it, I think, a lot better for all of us. It's pretty unique."
Paterno's contract runs through next season. He is the all-time leader in bowl wins with 24.
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