November 27, 2012 at 4:19 PM

Bill O'Brien told an Atlanta-based radio station Tuesday he intends to return as Penn State's head coach next season.

"I plan on being the head football coach at Penn State [in 2013]," O'Brien told 790 AM "The Zone." "That's my plan and that's what I intend to do."

O'Brien led the Nittany Lions to an 8-4 record in his first season at the helm in Happy Valley. Penn State and O'Brien battled through NCAA sanctions, the loss of nine players who transferred and an 0-2 start to finish the season second in the Big Ten's Leaders Division.

The former New England Patriots offensive coordinator is also garnering heavy consideration for Big Ten Coach of the Year. The honor, as well as the conference's top offensive and defensive players as well as Freshman of the Year will be announced tonight.

During his interview, O'Brien was also asked about his on-the-field interview after the Wisconsin game. It sounded like O'Brien called his team a profanity. However the coach said he actually said "fighters."

"You guys know me and you know I'm not a choir boy, but I said "fighters," O'Brien said.