Joyner denies reports on new Penn State coach

Penn State acting athletic director Dave Joyner denied reports that New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien was in line to be hired as Penn State's next head football coach.

"Nope. Don't believe what you read in the newspapers," Joyner told a group of reporters on Sunday evening after Penn State's pep rally at the Cotton Bowl."

"There is no deal with anybody," he later added.

ESPN reported earlier Sunday that Penn State had targeted O'Brien as the coach to succeed Joe Paterno and that the two parties were expected to meet this week to work on a deal. USA TODAY's Jon Saraceno confirmed the report via Twitter and also reported that "only contract details need to be finalized before O'Brien is the man."

Also on Sunday, Interim coach Tom Bradley denied reports that he is set for a second interview for the permanent job.

"I don't pay attention to them," Bradley said of all the coaching rumors. "You guys haven't hit the jackpot yet."

--Jake Kaplan