Year after year, rumors swirl of JoePa's retirement. And year after year JoePa shows up on the sidelines on opening day. But, with his current contract expiring after the 2008 season, and no talk of extension in the media, the rumor machines are full blast. The most recent rumor involves current Indianapolis Colts assistant Jim Caldwell, who was an assistant at Penn State from 1986-1992. But do you really want to be "the guy that replaced Joe Paterno?" It's probably better to be "the guy who replaced the guy who replaced Joe Paterno."

As with most rumors, there's nothing coming out of the university to support or deny it. But, a Pittsburgh ESPN radio station read an e-mail that was apparently from an alumni that said Paterno would be stepping down, and Caldwell would be the new coach of the Nittany Lions. Adding to the rumor is another rumor of JoePa's declining health, which would seem to bring his retirement closer.

We had also heard rumors from people claiming to be part of the Alumni Association who said the university would hold a press conference in February announcing Paterno's retirement after the 2008 season, and effectively naming a head coach in waiting.

The problem with the Caldwell rumor is he is the next head coach of the Colts after Tony Dungy retires. That is not a rumor, it comes straight from the Colts' owner's mouth.

So, until JoePa stands at a podium and says he is retiring, we're not believing any of the rumors. Plus, with the advancement in robotics, he's probably going to coach forever.