Jay Paterno: Leading Through Change in College Football

My guest on episode #495 of #thePOZcast is Jay Paterno—author, coach, media voice, and a leading thinker on the future of college football. Jay spent over two decades coaching at the Division I level, including 17 years at Penn State, and brings a rare inside view of leadership under extreme pressure. He’s the bestselling author of Paterno Legacy and Hot Seat, and his latest book, BLITZED! The All-Out Pressure of College Football’s New Era explores how big money, NIL, mental health, and constant scrutiny are reshaping the sport. Jay is also the son of legendary coach Joe Paterno, a perspective that has deeply shaped how he thinks about leadership, responsibility, and legacy—while still forging a path very much his own. Today, we’re unpacking what college football’s evolution can teach all of you. In this episode, Adam Posner interviews Jay Paterno, a former college football coach and author, discussing the evolution of college football, the impact of NIL, and the importance of accountability and mental health in leadership. Jay shares insights from his experiences coaching under pressure, the influence of his father, Joe Paterno, and the challenges facing college sports today. The conversation emphasizes the need for strong leadership principles and the importance of building a positive team culture. Learn More: https://www.jayvpaterno.com/ Get his new book: https://www.amazon.com/Blitzed-All-Out-Pressure-College-Footballs/dp/B0DFW82ZT5/