Joe Paterno gave his permanent successor and fellow Brown graduate Bill O'Brien a warm greeting into the Penn State football family.

Paterno, who was fired Nov. 9 in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex-abuse scandal, released a statement through his family to the Associated Press welcoming O'Brien to Penn State.

"I understand Bill O'Brien has been named head coach and I want to congratulate him on his appointment. I don't know Bill, but I respect his coaching record, and I am particularly pleased we share a connection to my alma mater, Brown.

"Despite recent commentary to the contrary, Penn State football has always been about more than winning. I am hopeful this tradition will continue."

Paterno, 85, is continuing his battle against lung cancer.

Penn State still has not confirmed the O'Brien hire as of 9:15 p.m. Friday.

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