New Penn State coach Bill O'Brien has Ivy League ties

Penn State will have another Brown graduate at the helm of its football program.

Bill O'Brien, who is currently serving as the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, has been chosen to succeed Joe Paterno.

O'Brien graduated from Brown in 1992 and played defensive end and linebacker for the Bears from 1990-1992. Paterno graduated from Brown in 1950 and played quarterback and cornerback.

O'Brien stayed with the Ancient Eight upon graduating, coaching Brown's tight ends in 1993 and linebackers in 1994. He then coached at Georgia Tech, Maryland and Duke. He has been with the Patriots since 2007, taking over as offensive coordinator this season.

O'Brien had little success against Penn as a player and coach, posting a 1-4 record. His only win over the Quakers came in 1990, a 24-17 victory at home. He suffered four losses to Penn from 1991-1994 by a combined score of 124-28.

An official announcement about the hire will be made on Saturday January 7th. O'Brien will continue to coach the Patriots throughout the playoffs.

O'Brien will certainly have his hands full taking over for Paterno amid the ongoing investigation at Penn State. How do you think the Ivy League grad will do?