Penn State players excited about new coach O’Brien

Associated Press

STATE COLLEGE, Pa.

A smiling Matt McGloin’s eyes lit up when asked about new Penn State coach Bill O’Brien’s star pupil at his other job.

After finishing up his duties as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach of the New England Patriots through the NFL postseason, O’Brien will leave Tom Brady, and join McGloin full-time in Happy Valley.

O’Brien’s second day as Penn State’s new leader included a standing ovation after being introduced at a basketball game, and his first meeting with McGloin and his new players.

So, it’s now time for McGloin, the Nittany Lions starting quarterback, to start studying up on film of Brady, the Patriots’ standout signal-caller.

“That’s it right there. That’s enough ... It couldn’t get any better,” McGloin said Sunday when asked how much it would help to be coached by someone who tutored Brady.

What else did McGloin like about the New England offense?

“I don’t know, that Brady threw for like 5,000 yards,” McGloin said with a chuckle.

That’s 5,235 yards to be exact.

O’Brien will likely remain with the Patriots the rest of the week, though he’s also expected to name the rest of his Penn State coaching staff within a few days.

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” O’Brien said Saturday after his introductory news conference about his travel schedule. “I’ll be on the move.”

Just like during a whirlwind weekend in which he was announced as the successor to Joe Paterno.

By Sunday, he was doing radio and TV interviews during the basketball team’s 88-82 loss to No. 12 Indiana. As O’Brien ventured into the stands to shake hands with pep band members and students, the crowd erupted into cheers of “We Are ... Penn State!”

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to get started,” he said Saturday.

That enthusiasm apparently carried over into Sunday’s team meeting. Afterward, players expressed relief that a turbulent two months that began with the departure of their beloved coach had finally ended with a new leader eager to start a new era in Happy Valley.

“Very enthusiastic. Tough, tough football coach,” guard John Urschel said.