Next fall, the Penn State football sidelines will be home to two Paternos -- Coach Joe Paterno and his son, Jay.

Jay Paterno was hired to take the place of Craig Cirbus, who became the head coach at Buffalo in December. Cirbus was the Lions' offensive line coach. Bill Kenney, the former recruiting coordinator, will be the new offensive line coach.

The younger Paterno, who was the quarterback coach at James Madison, will coach the tight ends and will also be the recruiting coordinator.

"I'm as excited as can be," Jay Paterno said. "It's exciting to be able to coach at your alma mater and to come back to your home town and to be able to work with my dad."

Jay Paterno, a 1990 graduate of Penn State, was a reserve quarterback, lettered as a senior in 1989 and was a member of the 1986 National Championship team.

At James Madison, he helped guide the Dukes to a 10-3 record and a spot in the Division I-AA playoffs last season.

Jay Paterno's first coaching job was as an undergraduate assistant at Penn State in the spring of 1990. He then went to Virginia as a graduate assistant coach for three years. His duties with the Cavaliers included working with the defensive backs, the offensive line and the quarterbacks. He also helped with recruiting and scouting.

In addition, Jay Paterno coached wide receivers and tight ends at Connecticut during the 1993 season.

"I feel I can bring experience to the program, having been through it myself," he said. "I grew up with the program, and I know what the program stands for. And I'm truly excited to be coming back."