Paterno: No plans to quit Penn State

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Longtime Penn State head football Coach Joe Paterno said Tuesday he doesn't plan to quit as the Nittany Lions' mentor.

Refuting rumors of ill health and impending retirement plans, the 84-year-old Paterno said at a press conference for Saturday's Outback Bowl against Florida in Tampa, Fla., that he isn't considering quitting.

"I haven't even thought about it," Paterno said. "The situation around me is very stable."

Paterno is in his 45th year as Penn State's coach and is the all-time leader among NCAA Division IA mentors with 401 career wins. He also holds the record for most post-season wins with 24.