New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien was first tied to the Penn State job on Saturday by ESPN's Joe Schad, who declared him a "candidate" to take over for Joe Paterno.

Now, ESPN's Adam Shefter has stronger language on the 42-year old Dorchester, Mass. native, saying O'Brien is "the coach [Penn State] wants to succeed Joe Paterno," and that the two sides are expected to meet this week to work out a deal. He goes on to say:

Penn State has been eyeing, scouting and honing in on the 42-year-old O'Brien throughout the past month, sources said. He fits the profile of the head coach Penn State has been seeking. O'Brien is well-schooled and has a mixture of experience at the college and pro levels.

On the Tom Bradley front, the interim head coach addressed reporters at his pre-TicketCity Bowl press conference. According to Derek Levarse of the Times Leader, Bradley denied reports that he will participate in a second interview with acting athletic director David Joyner's six-person search committee by saying "They haven't told me anything."

For the latest on the Penn State coaching search, stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh.