Miami Wanted Paterno

Once the Miami Hurricanes’ harshest critic, Joe Paterno briefly considered becoming their coach this season.

The school courted Penn State’s 68-year-old coach in mid-January, and he acknowledged interest. But Paterno wanted to visit with Miami officials while attending the Super Bowl, which was two weeks away.

The Hurricanes, eager to make a quick decision at the height of the recruiting season, hired Butch Davis instead.