Joe Paterno could continue coaching Penn State through 2011, Sports Information Director Jeff Nelson wrote in an e-mail Tuesday.

University President Graham Spanier and Athletic Director Tim Curley announced the agreement, but Nelson also wrote in the e-mail "the parties might re-evaluate their circumstances and alter the arrangement by either shortening or extending its length as necessary."

The news was first reported by FightOnState.com Tuesday afternoon.

Paterno said at Rose Bowl media day Friday he spoke to Curley "about a couple possibilities" but would not offer details.

"I just get tired of recruits asking me, 'How long are you going to be there?' " Paterno said. "But most of them are fine."

Spanier would not comment when reached via telephone or when approached outside Old Main as he headed to tape his television show, "To the Best of My Knowledge."

"There's no reason for me not to think I can go for awhile," Paterno said Friday. "Now how long is awhile? I don't know."

Told of the news, Mickey Shuler Sr., the father of Penn State's starting tight end, laughed.

"Wow," he said. "More power to him if he can do it."

Collegian Staff Writer Matt Fortuna contributed to this report.