I know it's a good gig, but how many coaches would want to go to PSU right now? Some guys want the shot regardless, but think of the crapstorm you're going into as the new coach. You're stepping into a political mess (no way to know right now if the NCAA drops sanctions on PSU). Think of all the new safeguards & red tape the AD will probably drop on the football program.
Then the coach is also the guy who replaces the beloved Joe Pa. And how much can the new coach challenge Paterno's entrenched "system?" Dramatic changes would seem like a rebuke to Paterno, but playing it safe would anger the people who've been chomping at the bit for PSU to modernize their football program. This is only a good spot for someone who's trading up and out of a crappy current scenario. I couldn't see a highly regarded coach with real options on the table wanting this mess. But, I tend to underestimate these people's egos.
Stop with the nonsense. This is NOT an NCAA issue.
This is a LEGAL issue (criminal and probably civil) the local DA is handling the criminal issue(s) and the nation is watching. A PSU ex-employee has been indicted for felony sex abuse against minors and two current employees for obstruction/hindering. That impacts the University's Administrative reputation but not the number of scholarships, bowl eligibility, TV ban, Big 10 membership, etc.
Any coach following a "Legend" encounters resistance, Anderson after Rockne, Brennan after Leahy, Davie after Holtz, Perkins after Bryant, Zook after Spurrier, etc. Few that follow a "Legend" succeed. The notoriety of the legal issues will take a lot of the spotlight off a new coach. He could install a jumbotron, a turf field, put names on the jerseys, switch to chartreuse shoes and PSUNation wouldn't be writing return receipt requested chain letters to the AD.
A recruit or two might chose to change his commitment but there have already been a slew of decision changers at other schools that have no controversy.
Paterno was in the last year of his contract. He's got the All-Time record and was expected to be leaving. The question now for recruits is will PSU hire a real football coach or look for a "molder of men" ala ND after the O'Leary fiasco, or UW after the Neuheisel saga? And will their recruiter/position coach be retained.?
As for the first, do you think Urban's arrest record for his players at UF is damage control at PSU or gas on the fire? I think guys like Mike Leach with baggage (real or imaginary) need not apply.
As for the assistants likely not. A veteran coach is going to bring most of his core guys with him. They're committed to the new head coach not the deposed one. Alford was the only holdover at ND when Kelly came on board. For all the heat Paterno has taken in the scandal for not calling the police, how does PSU keep Mike McQueary, the eye witness, and current Recruiting Coordinator?
