Penn State football: Dave Joyner says Bill O'Brien isn't 'going anywhere'

Coming into the job amid chaos, sanctions and controversy, head coach Bill O'Brien guided the Penn State Nittany Lions to an 8-4 record in 2012. Athletic director Dave Joyner, however, says the Big Ten coach of the year wouldn't be leaving any time soon.

"He's here, and he's not going anywhere," Joyner told the Tribune-Review on Wednesday. "He and I have a lot of respect for each other. Other coaches have great respect for him as he does for them, and I think it's a great environment. I'm gratified that he's here and I look forward to a very long association with him."

O'Brien's contract runs through 2020 and a buyout would cost the school $9 million. But Joyner isn't looking to make any changes. He told an Atlanta radio station earlier in the week that he was looking for a coach that would want to make his career at Penn State, and O'Brien fit the profile.

A constant face at the helm will be important as the Nittany Lions navigate through the next few seasons. Because of the sanctions handed down after the Jerry Sandusky scandal, Penn State can offer just 15 football scholarships each year for the next four years. The program is also in the midst of a four-year postseason ban.

After losing the first two games of the season, Penn State won eight of its final 10 games this season and finished second in the Big Ten Leaders Division.