Current and former members of the Penn State football program were among those offering condolences Sunday following the death of legendary ex-head coach Joe Paterno . Penn State Board of Trustees and University President Rodney Erickson : . `` We grieve for the loss of Joe Paterno , a great man who made us a greater university . His dedication to ensuring his players were successful both on the field and in life is legendary and his commitment to education is unmatched in college football . His life , work and generosity will be remembered always . The University plans to honor him for his many contributions and to remember his remarkable life and legacy . We are all deeply saddened . We are considering appropriate ways to honor the great life and legacy of Joe Paterno . The University 's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is consulting with members of the Penn State community on the nature and timing of the gathering . '' Bill O'Brien , Penn State head football coach : . `` It is with great sadness that I am compelled to deliver this message of condolence and tribute to a great man , husband , father and someone who is more than just a coach , Joe Paterno . First , on behalf of Penn State Football , we offer our sincerest condolences to the Paterno family for their loss . We also offer our condolences to the Penn State community and , in particular , to those who wore the Penn State colors , our Nittany Lion football players and alumni . Today they lost a great man , coach , mentor and , in many cases , a father figure , and we extend our deepest sympathies . The Penn State football program is one of college football 's iconic programs because it was led by an icon in the coaching profession in Joe Paterno . There are no words to express my respect for him as a man and as a coach . To be following in his footsteps at Penn State is an honor . Our families , our football program , our university and all of college football have suffered a great loss , and we will be eternally grateful for Coach Paterno 's immeasurable contributions . '' Jerry Sandusky , former Penn State assistant football coach who is at the center of the child sex abuse scandal that cost Paterno his job late last year : . `` This is a sad day ! Our family , Dottie and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Sue and her family . Nobody did more for the academic reputation of Penn State than Joe Paterno . He maintained a high standard in a very difficult profession . Joe preached toughness , hard work and clean competition . Most importantly , he had the courage to practice what he preached . Nobody will be able to take away the memories we all shared of a great man , his family , and all the wonderful people who were a part of his life . '' Tim Curley , former Penn State Athletic Director who went on leave amid the child sex abuse scandal : . `` Words can not express the sorrow my family and I feel . Joe has been an integral part of my life for more than 35 years . Joe coached me , mentored me , taught me what it meant to compete with integrity and honor , and above all demonstrated with each day that he lived , the power of humility . Our thoughts , prayers and sincere condolences go out to the Paterno family . '' Gary Schultz , a former Penn State vice president who retired amid the child sex abuse scandal : . `` With profound sadness , my family and I want to express our heartfelt condolences for the Paterno family today . I had the sincere honor and distinct pleasure to work with Joe for many , many years at Penn State . No one loved Penn State more than Joe . We will all miss him . '' Former President George H.W . Bush : . `` I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Paterno . He was an outstanding American who was respected not only on the field of play but in life generally — and he was , without a doubt , a true icon in the world of sports . I was proud that he was a friend of mine . Barbara and I send our condolences to his devoted wife Suzanne and to his wonderful family . '' Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly : . `` The Paterno family is in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband and father . Few people have influenced the lives of so many others in the way Joe Paterno was able to do . Today , we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time . '' Nick Saban , head football coach at national champion University of Alabama : . `` Joe Paterno gave his life to college football . He gave his life to the players and college football ... I never doubted with him that he was going to do what was best for college football , and the players that played it , and I think that should be his legacy . ''
Former Penn State officials express sadness . Jerry Sandusky : Paterno `` maintained a high standard in a very difficult profession '' Former President George H.W . Bush `` deeply saddened '' at Paterno 's passing .