Penn St. president: University will honor Paterno Jan 22 11:53 AM US/Eastern (AP) - Penn State President Rodney Erickson says the university is grieving the death of legendary former football coach Joe Paterno and plans to honor him for his contributions to the school. In a statement released Sunday, Erickson called Paterno "a great man who made us a greater university." Paterno died early Sunday at age 85. Erickson says Paterno's "dedication to ensuring his players were successful both on the field and in life is legendary." He says PSU will remember his "remarkable life and legacy" and plans to honor him. The winningest coach in major college football was fired from Penn State on Nov. 9 amid a child sex abuse scandal involving a former assistant. Critics say Paterno should have done more to stop it.