O'Brien will accompany team to Paterno viewing

Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 January 2012 09:15 Tuesday, 24 January 2012 09:15

Written by Ron Musselman

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.

The first of two public viewings for former Penn State coach Joe Paterno will be held today from 1 to 11 p.m. at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on campus.

New coach Bill O'Brien, who is doing double duty as the offensive coordinator of the Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots, will accompany the Penn State team to today's viewing.

Former and current PSU players will flank the closed casket, rotating every 45 minutes during the 10-hour session.

A second public viewing for Paterno is scheduled Wednesday for 8 a.m. to noon, followed by a private family funeral service at 2 p.m.. A public memorial service will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Paterno, 85, died Sunday from complications of lung cancer.

To honor Paterno's life, Gov. Tom Corbett ordered Pennsylvania flags across the commonwealth to half-staff until sunset Thursday. The order includes flags at the Capitol and at other commonwealth-controlled buildings and offices.