Penn State coach Joe Paterno is resting at the Mt. Nittany Medical Center after undergoing hip replacement surgery Sunday, a university-issued press release said.
The press release said the surgery, which was performed by team doctor Wayne Sebastianelli, was "successful" and that Paterno is "resting comfortably and ... is expected to be on his feet Monday."
Paterno gave his players the week off after Saturday's 49-18 win over Michigan State and, according to the release, he is expected to be able to resume coaching when the team reconvenes Monday, Dec. 1 after the Thanksgiving break.
Paterno injured his hip demonstrating an onside kick during practice before the season opener against Coastal Carolina and has spent the last seven games coaching from the press box.
With the 81-year-old coach's contract expiring at the end of this season, there has been speculation about Paterno's future, but he announced his intentions to remain coach following the Nittany Lions' Big Ten-title clinching win Saturday night.
He said he will meet with university president Graham Spanier and athletic director Tim Curley after the season to discuss his situation.
"I am planning on coming back. I never planned otherwise," Paterno said. "Everyone is making a big deal out of the fact that I don't have a contract signed. I have never even asked to do that. Right now, I have no plans to leave. We'll see what happens."
