I've actually said this to many of my Penn State friends, and now it looks as if my morbid theory on why Joe Paterno won't let go of his coaching job might have some truth to it.  From a recent posting on deadspin, this is a quote from Brent Musberger talking on the Dan Patrick show:

"This is a tough one for me because I have to say up front that JoePa is a dear friend of mine...I'll tell your listeners the truth as to why he still does it. He is fearful — and he looks back at Bear Bryant as the example — he is fearful that he would not be with us if he stepped away. He is a man that doesn't fish, doesn't play golf...he has no other interest other than his family and football. And he's just afraid what would happen with the rest of his life if he walks away from it."

Yikes!  Here's the link to the deadspin story:

http://deadspin.com/5064085/brent-musburger-offers-some-troubling-news-about-joe-paterno

Personally, Joe does eat, breathe and sleep football.  I doubt fundraising for the school carries the same thrill of coaching on a Saturday for the school.  Bear  Bryant did die pretty much right after he left Alabama.