1926 - 2012
Joe Paterno was an American football coach best known for his long tenure as the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions from 1966 to 2011. He became a prominent figure in college football, leading his team to two national championships and numerous bowl games. Paterno's legacy was later overshadowed by a scandal involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, which ultimately led to his dismissal and raised significant ethical questions about his role in the university's athletic program.