Learning From Joe Pa: Notre Dame DC, Former Penn State TE Al Golden Reveals Greatest Joe Paterno Lesson

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden played from Joe Paterno at Penn State, so it wasn’t a surprise when Golden was asked about the biggest things he learned from the legend.

Of all the players Paterno coached, few, if any, have had more coaching success than Golden (Matt Rhule turned out ok, too).

Now, for the first time since Golden left Temple for Miami after the 2010 season, Golden will be coaching against his alma mater, and this game will, eh, mean just a little more than any of Penn State’s five meetings with Golden in Temple from 2006-10. For one, it’s Penn State-Notre Dame. But most importantly, a trip to the national title game is at stake.

Paterno had an obvious influence on Golden’s coaching career, and here’s what he said was the biggest thing he learned from “Joe Pa.”

A GOLDEN LESSON

“The overarching lesson that has always stayed with me is that if you take care of the person, the person will become what you want as an athlete. So, whether it the character development, the community service, being demanding academically, being disciplined, form great habits, be a team player, all of those things. And then if you care about the relationship, if you care about the player as a person, he’ll take care of the rest. He’ll make the journey to become a really, really good football player. So the athlete part of it is the byproduct of everything else.

NOTRE DAME IS THE TEAM, NOW

Golden’s history at Penn State involved playing Notre Dame.

In fact, he has the distinction of being the last player to catch a touchdown pass in Notre Dame Stadium on a game not broadcast on NBC from 1990-this year’s College Football Playoff first-round matchup with Indiana.

Penn State won that game, upsetting the No. 1 Fighting Irish on the road.

Golden is happy for his Alma Mater.

But Blue & Gold, not Blue & White, are his colors now.

“I’m excited that Penn State’s doing well. I’m happy for the program, but more importantly, it’s been a great journey for us. This is my third year at Notre Dame and (I) had an opportunity to build it with coach (Marcus) Freeman and get to this point. It’s been a long time, so we’re at the brink of being where we wanted to be when we first had our conversation. So, that’s where our focus is.

No. 6 Penn State takes on No. 7 Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl/College Football Playoff Semifinal Thursday, Jan. 9. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 on ESPN.