NCAAF, Team News / Analysis, chandu, Jerry Sandusky, Joe Paterno, Penn State Scandal, Penn State Nittany Lions
The Centre Daily Times was the first to report the official extension.
The agreement, signed by O'Brien and interim athletics director David Joyner, reads: "Any sanction by the NCAA of a) loss of scholarships or b) bowl eligibility due to the actions of the previous staff or lack of institutional control prior to 2012 will immediately result in an automatic extension of coach's contract at 2016 total compensation and bonus package in years equal to the number of years of the sanctions."
This means O'Brien would have received a five-year extension, had Penn State been given a five-year bowl ban, and so on.
"I was then and I remain convinced that our student athletes are the best in the country," said O'Brien in a statement after the NCAA handed out the sanctions. "I could not be more proud to lead this team and these courageous and humble young men into the upcoming 2012 season. Together we are committed to building a better athletic program and university."
O'Brien seems like the guy that will lead the Nittany Lions out from the darkness. It's going to take more than just extra hours watching game film to set the program back on its feet—he'll have to pour his soul into this team in order for it to become relevant again by the time his contract is up.
If Penn State finishes with a winning record between now and the last year of his contract, I'd think that another long-term deal is in order.
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