PATERNO’S NEW CONTRACT MEANS AT LEAST ONE MORE YEAR

Joe Paterno has agreed to a three-year contract extension with Penn State, one that would keep him as the head coach of the Nittany Lions through the 2011 season, when he’ll be turning 85 years old and will be in his 62nd season as a coach at Penn State, and his 46th as head coach.The truth, however, is that all we really know is Paterno is coming back in 2009.Beyond that, this contract doesn’t mean much. If the Nittany Lions hadn’t had such a good season this year, there would be plenty of pressure on Penn State to get rid of him right now, and if they struggle in 2009 -- or if age finally catches up to the ageless JoePa -- there’s a fairly good chance that he won’t be back in 2010.However long he lasts, this news gives us one more opportunity to appreciate what an incredible run Paterno has had. He’s won more games than any coach in I-A history, he’s stayed in one place longer than any coach in I-A history, and although recent legal trouble for some Penn State players has tarnished the Penn State program, he’s mostly achieved his success without off-field problems. JoePa is a treasure.