O’Brien Extends ‘Deepest Sympathies’; Delany Shares Condolences upon Paterno Death

New Penn State head football Coach Bill O’Brien and Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany have issued statements Sunday in light of Joe Paterno’s death.

O’Brien, in his statement, said Paterno was “more than just a coach.” Here is the full text:

• It is with great sadness that I am compelled to deliver this message of condolence and tribute to a great man, husband, father and someone who is more than just a coach, Joe Paterno. First, on behalf of Penn State Football, we offer our sincerest condolences to the Paterno family for their loss. We also offer our condolences to the Penn State community and, in particular, to those who wore the Penn State colors, our Nittany Lion football players and alumni. Today they lost a great man, coach, mentor and, in many cases, a father figure, and we extend our deepest sympathies. The Penn State Football program is one of college football’s iconic programs because it was led by an icon in the coaching profession in Joe Paterno. There are no words to express my respect for him as a man and as a coach. To be following in his footsteps at Penn State is an honor. Our families, our football program, our university and all of college football have suffered a great loss, and we will be eternally grateful for Coach Paterno’s immeasurable contributions.

Delany, meanwhile, said Paterno’s passing marks “a tremendous loss.” Here’s his statement:

• We are deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Paterno. His passing marks a tremendous loss for Penn State, college football and for countless fans, coaches and student-athletes.  Our condolences go out to the Paterno family and to the entire Penn State community.

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• Penn State Coach Joe Paterno Dies (1926-2012) (Jan. 22, 2012)

• Spanier, Trustees Issue Statements as Penn State Mourns Paterno (Jan. 22, 2012)