Penn State's O'Brien named Big Ten Coach of the Year

BY TIM GILBERT, Daily News Staff Writer
Posted: November 28, 2012

STATE COLLEGE - Bill O'Brien is the unanimous 2012 Big Ten Coach of the Year.

After guiding Penn State to an 8-4 (6-2 Big Ten) season in his first year at the helm of the Nittany Lions, O'Brien was selected by both coaches and the media to win the honor announced Tuesday on the Big Ten Network. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman defensive end Deion Barnes, from Northeast High, was selected as the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year.

After Penn State started its first sanctioned season 0-2, O'Brien guided the Lions to an 8-2 record to finish and a second-place finish in the Big Ten's Leaders Division. His fast-paced, high-powered offense was crucial in Penn State's offensive players setting many school records. Considering the harsh NCAA sanctions as a result of the Jerry Sandusky child sex-abuse scandal, O'Brien's job was so impressive that he beat out Urban Meyer, who coached Ohio State to an undefeated season in his first year there.

O'Brien is also a candidate for the nation's coach of the year, for which finalists will be announced in December.

As for Barnes, he had a great season as Penn State's top defensive end, collecting 10 tackles for losses, six sacks and three forced fumbles. Clocking in at 6-4, 246 pounds, Barnes seems to have a very bright future at Penn State.

"It feels great right now," Barnes said.

On Monday, sophomore Allen Robinson won Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year and redshirt senior Michael Mauti won Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, while defensive tackle Jordan Hill, tight end Kyle Carter, center Matt Stankiewitch and guard John Urschel earned first-team All-Big Ten recognition.

On another front, O'Brien addressed questions about whether he would leave after 1 year and return to the NFL.

"I plan on being the head football coach at Penn State, that's my plan and that's what I intend to do," O'Brien said on 790 The Zone, an Atlanta radio station.

McGloin a finalist

Quarterback Matt McGloin was named one of three finalists for the Burlsworth Trophy, an award given to the nation's top walk-on. The winner will be announced Dec. 3 at a banquet in Arkansas.

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