Joe Paterno was an American college football coach, best known for his long tenure at Penn State University. He served as the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions from 1966 to 2011, making him one of the most successful coaches in college football history. Paterno was known for his emphasis on academics and integrity, leading his teams to numerous victories and bowl games. In addition to his coaching achievements, Paterno was also a prominent figure in discussions about ethics in sports. His career ended amid controversy related to the Jerry Sandusky scandal, which raised serious questions about accountability and leadership in athletics. Paterno passed away in January 2012.