Paterno plans to return for 44th season

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Joe Paterno said Saturday, following the Nittany Lions' 49-18 win over Michigan State, he plans to return in 2009 as Penn State University football coach.

Paterno, 81, has coached Penn State football for the last 43 seasons, beginning in 1966 when he replaced Rip Engle. His tenure is the longest of any coach at a single university in college football history.

Paterno, whose coaching record is 382-126-3, has more wins than any other coach in major college history. He also holds the record for most bowl wins, going 23-10-1 in post-season play.

Paterno has coached Penn State to two national titles, in 1982 and 1986, and five undefeated seasons, in 1994, 1986, 1973, 1969 and 1968. He is the only coach to win each of the four major bowls -- Rose, Orange, Fiesta and Sugar -- as well as the Cotton Bowl at least once.