I wish I could think of something brilliant to say, I am really just pretty emotional. You never think it is going to be a big deal until it happens like it did and you see so many people - it's just hard to describe.
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I am a very lucky guy and lucky to at an institution such as Penn State as I told the fans and this football team has been special in a lot of different ways because they have had nothing come easy to them and nothing will be easy from here on in either. They hung in there when they could have called it quits a couple times and they didn't so I am very proud of them. I am proud of my family, they are all here.
Compare this to winning a national championship
Its different, the one thing that keeps going through my mind is how many great moments I have had in coaching. Every once in a while when people tell me to get out of it, I am like everyone else and every once in a while I think about. Then I realize how much it means to be and how many absolutely great days I have had and I know I don't want to get out of it. Days like today, its hard to measure it to something that happened 10 years ago, five years ago or today. Certainly there wouldn't be anything that topped this. This would have to be with everything that has happened to me.
Talk about what Sue (Paterno) has meant to you over your career
This record wouldn't even be close without her. When I retire the university will find a good coach, but if they can find a coach's wife as good as Sue it will be a miracle.
Are you relieved that you are beyond this point (chasing the record)
Yeah I will be. You know I have tried to keep pushing away from the squad. I was amazed with the emotion the squad showed, so I am glad it's over. I just want get on now and see what we can do with the next five games.
Did you know about the plans for the sculpture?
No I didn't. From where I was standing though it looked like a handsome devil.
Do you feel kind of like you did at 300?
Yeah, a lot like it. This was obviously a much more dramatic day because the team had to fight their way back.
How special was it to break the record at home?
Well I think its special, if I had my choice I would prefer it happen at home.
How did it feel to be carried off the field in front of the crowd?
It's just overwhelming, it'll take me a long time to realize. I am overwhelmed right now. I am struggling here to not say something that sounds stupid, I usually do that when we lose.
Compare this to the first game you won
The first game I won would have been 1966 against Maryland. It was a great, we won and Mike Reid blocked three kicks for three safeties.
Maryland's (Lou Saban) called me on Monday and apologized he didn't have the chance to shake my hand. But we were both so lousy I didn't have the heart to tell you.
Seems like blocked field goals are common in outcomes of Penn State games recently
We work awfully hard on that and they (Ohio State) has had a tough time with their field goals.
Have any members of Bear Bryant's family gotten in touch with you?
No, but I have been really impressed with how many people have written me from Alabama. I have gotten a lot of complimentary mail from Alabama and if it was going to have to happen we are glad it was you kind of thing.
What went into your decision to put Zack Mills in the game?
Matt's (Senecca) been doing well, I hated to do that (pull him). Matt had a chance to make a couple plays and didn't make, so I said let's see what Zack (Mills) can do and sit Matt down for awhile. I had not intended to play Zack the whole football game, I had intended to play both Matt and Zack. Zack played so well I just thought I had to stay with him.
Do you still think of Zack Mills as a freshman quarterback?
Well he got sacked at the end I thought he was a freshman. He should have gotten rid of that football. That and when he went out of bounds when we were trying to kill the clock.
What would your dad say if he was here today?
He would probably still say, why didn't you go to law school and my mother would say why did you go to college if you wanted to be a coach, anyone can be a coach. I think he would be proud of me. Once and a while I let him down, but I think he would be proud of me.
Did you ever envision a career like this?
Who knows you can stay as healthy as long as I have stayed healthy. I never envisioned coaching this long. Its just that I felt good, the pros was not a way of life. Then I think my mom would have been right and my dad would have been upset with me. My dad always said make an impact, don't just be another guy.
Paterno's closing comment to media
Thanks for everything. I know I have had my moments. You guys have been more than fair to me all these years. I want to say thanks to you guys too and I mean it sincerely.
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