Fanblogs.com has reported that Schiano was a graduate assistant and assistant coach under Paterno from 1991-1995. The Big Lead reports Schiano turned down offers from Michigan and Miami, possibly to wait for the Penn State opening. He guided the Scarlet Knights to four straight Bowl victories before last season.

But Paterno is still coaching, and Ohio State has made it clear that they won’t begin looking for a new coach until after the 2011-12 season. In April, Meyer's daughter, Nicki, posted on Twitter that Meyer was not headed to Ohio State, but that was before the job became available.