Paterno to return to coach Penn State in 2011

Penn State’s Joe Paterno said today he plans to return for the 2011 season, which would be his 46th as head football coach of the Nittany Lions. Speaking at his weekly teleconference, Paterno said he is “looking forward” to coming back next year because of the youth of his 2010 Nittany Lions. “We’ve struggled a little bit this year with the youth and the injuries and the whole bit,” he said. “We’re not where I’d like us to be yet. I’d like to be a part of it.” Paterno, who has one year remaining on the three-year contract he signed following the 2008 season, acknowledged that his decision would be reviewed by Penn State officials. “I don’t think it’s entirely my call,” he said. “I’m not running the university. Hopefully what I want to do will be taken into consideration, and we’ll go from there.” Paterno, who will celebrate his 84th birthday on Dec. 20, won his 400th career game on Nov. 6 against Northwestern. He picked up victory No. 401 in Saturday’s 41-24 decision over Indiana. Contact staff writer Joe Juliano at 215-854-4494 or jjuliano@phillynews.com