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Football coach Joe Paterno dies at 85

Joe Paterno won 409 games in 46 years as the head football coach for Penn State University, the record for a Division I football coach. He guided his teams to national championships in 1982 and 1986. Paterno died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012 from his battle with lung cancer. His diagnosis was revealed shortly after he was dismissed as head coach by the Penn State board of directors in the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Sandusky, his former assistant coach at Penn State from 1969 to 1999, is charged with more than 50 counts of sexually abusing young boys over a 15-year period.

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An Oct. 29 victory over Illinois made Joe Paterno the winningest coach in college football history with 409 victories.

Peter Read Miller / Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

Much of his first interview since his dismissal from Penn State was done with him sitting in a wheelchair at his kitchen table.

Jan. 12, 2012

Much of his first interview since his dismissal from Penn State was done with him sitting in a wheelchair at his kitchen table.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

In 2002, when assistant coach Mike McQueary reported seeing inappropriate contact between Jerry Sandusky and a young boy in the locker room showers, Joe Paterno said he “turned it over to some other people, people I thought would have a little more expertise than I did. It didn’t work out that way.”

Jan. 12, 2012

In 2002, when assistant coach Mike McQueary reported seeing inappropriate contact between Jerry Sandusky and a young boy in the locker room showers, Joe Paterno said he “turned it over to some other people, people I thought would have a little more expertise than I did. It didn’t work out that way.”

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Sue Paterno, left, Joe Paterno’s wife of 50 years says of the manner in which Joe was fired from Penn State: “After 61 years he deserved better.”

Jan. 12, 2012

Sue Paterno, left, Joe Paterno’s wife of 50 years says of the manner in which Joe was fired from Penn State: “After 61 years he deserved better.”

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Joe Paterno is interviewed about his dismissal at his home in State College, Pa.

Jan. 12, 2012

Joe Paterno is interviewed about his dismissal at his home in State College, Pa.

John McDonnell / THE WASHINGTON POST

Mounds containing 12,000 letters (his grandchildren counted them) adorn the Paterno house.

Jan. 12, 2012

Mounds containing 12,000 letters (his grandchildren counted them) adorn the Paterno house.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Joe Paterno has yet to figure out his next step. “Right now I’m trying to figure out what I’m gonna do,” he said. “Cause I don’t want to sit around on my backside all day,” he said.

Jan. 12, 2012

Joe Paterno has yet to figure out his next step. “Right now I’m trying to figure out what I’m gonna do,” he said. “Cause I don’t want to sit around on my backside all day,” he said.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Penn State students kneel as they pray after lighting candles at the Joe Paterno statue outside Beaver Stadium in the Penn State University campus in State College, Pa.

Jan. 21, 2012

Penn State students kneel as they pray after lighting candles at the Joe Paterno statue outside Beaver Stadium in the Penn State University campus in State College, Pa.

PAT LITTLE / REUTERS

People gather at a statue of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno in State College, Pa.

Jan. 21, 2012

People gather at a statue of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno in State College, Pa.

John Beale / AP

Joe Paterno, as the new head football coach at Penn State, left, poses with his 2-year-old daughter Diana Lynne Paterno, right, his wife, Suzanne Paterno, and their 1-year-old daughter, Mary Kathryn Paterno, in his home in University Park, Pa.

Feb. 19, 1966

Joe Paterno, as the new head football coach at Penn State, left, poses with his 2-year-old daughter Diana Lynne Paterno, right, his wife, Suzanne Paterno, and their 1-year-old daughter, Mary Kathryn Paterno, in his home in University Park, Pa.

Paul Vathis / AP

Paterno, coach of the East All Stars, explains a play to quarterback Buster O’Brien, right, of Richmond during a practice session for the Coaches All-America football game in Atlanta.

June 26, 1969

Paterno, coach of the East All Stars, explains a play to quarterback Buster O’Brien, right, of Richmond during a practice session for the Coaches All-America football game in Atlanta.

Charles Kelly / AP

Paterno, left, is shown with Cliff Speegle, an official of the Southwest Conference, as they toured the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

Dec. 14, 1971

Paterno, left, is shown with Cliff Speegle, an official of the Southwest Conference, as they toured the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

Ferd Kaufman / AP

Paterno and his All-American quarterback John Hufnagel, second from right, take time to exchange a few words with opposing Oklahoma coach Chuck Fairbanks and his quarterback Dave Robertson in the New Orleans Sugar Bowl stadium.

Dec. 29, 1972

Paterno and his All-American quarterback John Hufnagel, second from right, take time to exchange a few words with opposing Oklahoma coach Chuck Fairbanks and his quarterback Dave Robertson in the New Orleans Sugar Bowl stadium.

Charles Kelly / AP

Paterno clutches the Lambert Trophy in New York after it was awarded to his team as emblematic of collegiate grid supremacy in the east.

Dec. 6, 1973

Paterno clutches the Lambert Trophy in New York after it was awarded to his team as emblematic of collegiate grid supremacy in the east.

Dave Pickoff / AP

Paterno celebrates after his Nittany Lions defeated the Baylor Bears in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Penn State won the game, 41-20.

Jan. 1, 1975

Paterno celebrates after his Nittany Lions defeated the Baylor Bears in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Penn State won the game, 41-20.

/ AP

Paterno and his quarterback Chuck Fusina talk late in the fourth quarter in Pittsburgh. The Nittany Lions were trying to keep the ball away from Pitt and keep their 15-7 lead.

Nov. 27, 1977

Paterno and his quarterback Chuck Fusina talk late in the fourth quarter in Pittsburgh. The Nittany Lions were trying to keep the ball away from Pitt and keep their 15-7 lead.

/ AP

Paterno raises fingers in a victory gesture after Penn State defeated North Carolina State 19-10.

Nov. 11, 1978

Paterno raises fingers in a victory gesture after Penn State defeated North Carolina State 19-10.

/ AP

Paterno pulls the arm of his quarterback Todd Blackledge, urging him to hurry and finish signing autographs at the conclusion of a practice session in New Orleans.

Dec. 28, 1982

Paterno pulls the arm of his quarterback Todd Blackledge, urging him to hurry and finish signing autographs at the conclusion of a practice session in New Orleans.

Jack Thornell / AP

Paterno is carried off the field following the Nittany Lions’ 27-23 defeat of Georgia in the Sugar Bowl to claim the national championship at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Jan. 1, 1983

Paterno is carried off the field following the Nittany Lions’ 27-23 defeat of Georgia in the Sugar Bowl to claim the national championship at the Superdome in New Orleans.

/ AP

Paterno, left, with his wife, Sue Paterno, rides through downtown State College, Pa. The parade with coaches, the team, eight bands and officials was held in spite of a snowstorm.

Jan. 15, 1983

Paterno, left, with his wife, Sue Paterno, rides through downtown State College, Pa. The parade with coaches, the team, eight bands and officials was held in spite of a snowstorm.

Craig Houtz / AP

Paterno is shown at a pep rally for his team in Phoenix.

Jan. 2, 1987

Paterno is shown at a pep rally for his team in Phoenix.

Jim Gerberich / AP

Paterno walks around his players as they warm up before a game against Bowling Green in State College, Pa.

Sept. 5, 1987

Paterno walks around his players as they warm up before a game against Bowling Green in State College, Pa.

/ AP

A seven-foot bronze sculpture of Paterno, outside Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa., was unveiled in October 2001, when Paterno got his 324th win, making him the career wins leader among major college coaches.

Nov. 2, 2001

A seven-foot bronze sculpture of Paterno, outside Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa., was unveiled in October 2001, when Paterno got his 324th win, making him the career wins leader among major college coaches.

Pat Little / AP

Paterno walks the sideline during the Capital One Bowl against Auburn, in Orlando. Auburn won, 13-9.

Jan. 1, 2003

Paterno walks the sideline during the Capital One Bowl against Auburn, in Orlando. Auburn won, 13-9.

Phelan Ebenhack / AP

Paterno makes a point with side judge John Roggeman during the first quarter of a 41-10 Penn State loss to Michigan State.

Nov. 22, 2003

Paterno makes a point with side judge John Roggeman during the first quarter of a 41-10 Penn State loss to Michigan State.

Al Goldis / AP

Paterno leads his team onto the field before a game against Akron.

Sept. 4, 2004

Paterno leads his team onto the field before a game against Akron.

Carolyn Kaster / AP

Paterno talks with the media after practice in State College, Pa.

Aug. 26, 2005

Paterno talks with the media after practice in State College, Pa.

Carolyn Kaster / AP

Paterno acknowledges the crowd during warmups before a game against Wisconsin in State College, Pa. Penn State won, 35-14.

Nov. 5, 2005

Paterno acknowledges the crowd during warmups before a game against Wisconsin in State College, Pa. Penn State won, 35-14.

Carolyn Kaster / AP

Paterno speaks to athletes and drama students at Mount Hebron High School.

Jan. 26, 2006

Paterno speaks to athletes and drama students at Mount Hebron High School.

Mark Gail / The Washington Post

Paterno, bottom right, sits next to senior tackle and team co-captian Levi Brown for the team photo during media day at Beaver Stadium .

Aug. 12, 2006

Paterno, bottom right, sits next to senior tackle and team co-captian Levi Brown for the team photo during media day at Beaver Stadium .

Carolyn Kaster / AP

Paterno stands with his players before they ran onto the field before a game against Youngstown State. Penn State won, 37-3.

Sept. 16, 2006

Paterno stands with his players before they ran onto the field before a game against Youngstown State. Penn State won, 37-3.

Carolyn Kaster / AP

Paterno watches a spring football practice in State College.

March 23, 2007

Paterno watches a spring football practice in State College.

Carolyn Kaster / AP

Paterno’s shadow is projected on a wall during a news conference where he discussed the coming football season at a university alumni event.

June 9, 2007

Paterno’s shadow is projected on a wall during a news conference where he discussed the coming football season at a university alumni event.

Bradley C. Bower / AP

Penn State President Graham Spanier, left, and Paterno visit during warmups before a game against Iowa in State College, Pa.

Oct. 8, 2011

Penn State President Graham Spanier, left, and Paterno visit during warmups before a game against Iowa in State College, Pa.

Gene J. Puskar / AP

Penn State President Graham Spanier, left, and Athletic Director Tim Curley, right, present Paterno with a plaque commemorating his 409th collegiate win after a game against Illinois in State College, Pa. Penn State won, 10-7. With the victory, Paterno passed Eddie Robinson to become the winningest head coach in Division I college football history.

Oct. 29, 2011

Penn State President Graham Spanier, left, and Athletic Director Tim Curley, right, present Paterno with a plaque commemorating his 409th collegiate win after a game against Illinois in State College, Pa. Penn State won, 10-7. With the victory, Paterno passed Eddie Robinson to become the winningest head coach in Division I college football history.

Gene J. Puskar / AP

Joe Paterno arrives home on Nov. 9 to a sea of reporters, protesters and supporters in the aftermath of child sex-abuse charges against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.

Nov. 9, 2011

Joe Paterno arrives home on Nov. 9 to a sea of reporters, protesters and supporters in the aftermath of child sex-abuse charges against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.

Matt Rourke / Associated Press

In the days following Jerry Sandusky’s arrest, students held rallies in support of Joe Paterno outside his home in State College, Pa.

Nov, 8, 2011

In the days following Jerry Sandusky’s arrest, students held rallies in support of Joe Paterno outside his home in State College, Pa.

Matt Rourke / Associated Press

Joe Paterno and his, wife, Sue, greet the well-wishers camped out on their lawn in November.

Nov. 9, 2011

Joe Paterno and his, wife, Sue, greet the well-wishers camped out on their lawn in November.

Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press

During a Penn State Board of Trustees press conference, Steve Garban, left, and John Surma announce that Penn State president Graham Spanier and football head coach Joe Paterno will leave the university immediately.

Nov. 9, 2011

During a Penn State Board of Trustees press conference, Steve Garban, left, and John Surma announce that Penn State president Graham Spanier and football head coach Joe Paterno will leave the university immediately.

Patrick Smith / Getty Images

People gather in front of the Old Main building for a candlelight vigil on the Penn State campus in State College, Pa.

Nov. 11, 2011

People gather in front of the Old Main building for a candlelight vigil on the Penn State campus in State College, Pa.

Matt Rourke / AP

A Penn State football fan displays a sign before the first game in years played without Joe Paterno.

Nov. 12, 2011

A Penn State football fan displays a sign before the first game in years played without Joe Paterno.

TIM SHAFFER / REUTERS

Penn State fan Gary Buck hugs a statue of former Penn State coach Joe Paterno at Beaver Stadium before the Nittany Lions took the field for their first game without Paterno on Nov. 12.

Nov. 12, 2012

Penn State fan Gary Buck hugs a statue of former Penn State coach Joe Paterno at Beaver Stadium before the Nittany Lions took the field for their first game without Paterno on Nov. 12.

REBECCA S. GRATZ / Associated Press

Penn State interim head football coach Tom Bradley directs his team.

Nov. 12, 2011

Penn State interim head football coach Tom Bradley directs his team.

TIM SHAFFER / REUTERS

Part of the Penn State student section watch pre-game warm ups.

Nov. 12, 2011

Part of the Penn State student section watch pre-game warm ups.

Gene J. Puskar / AP

Nathan Stupar (34) of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts after his team lost.

Nov. 12, 2011

Nathan Stupar (34) of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts after his team lost.

Patrick Smith / GETTY IMAGES

Paterno climbs up into the stands to take his place for the team photo during media day at Beaver Stadium. Paterno will retire as Penn State coach at the end of the football season, his 46th with the Nittany Lions.

Aug. 12, 2006

Paterno climbs up into the stands to take his place for the team photo during media day at Beaver Stadium. Paterno will retire as Penn State coach at the end of the football season, his 46th with the Nittany Lions.

Carolyn Kaster / AP

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