Leading Through Rapid Change in College Football and Beyond
College football has undergone a seismic shift with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, transfer portals, and increased media scrutiny. Author of the new novel, “BLITZED! The All-Out Pressure of College Football’s New Era,” Jay shares how successful leaders must pivot quickly and embrace change to stay competitive in challenging times.
Jay served as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team, among eight teams that remain unbeaten this season. He was named best quarterbacks coach in the Big Ten by rivals.com in 2011.
Effective in 2021, the NCAA began allowing college athletes to sign NIL deals. Along with the transfer portal adopted in 2018, this has brought dramatic shifts in the landscape of college sports, as Jay illustrates in “BLITZED.” The lessons of adaptability, grace under pressure, and resilience he shares are crucial for everyone, on and off the field.
“Much of my expertise comes from having to be a decision-maker in high-pressure moments,” Jay says. “The novels I’ve written are fiction based on real stories. They cover issues facing college athletics today and the very real pressures of the changing college sports landscape.”
Jay played football at Penn State and coached more than 20 years at the University of Virginia, the University of Connecticut, James Madison University and Penn State. He now serves on Penn State’s Board of Trustees and is writing his next non-fiction book on foundations of leadership that endure but have been forgotten by many in our time.
BIO: Jay Paterno is an author, coach, and commentator with deep roots in college football. As the son of legendary coach Joe Paterno, Jay spent over two decades coaching, including 17 years at Penn State. His latest book, “BLITZED! The All-Out Pressure of College Football’s New Era,” offers a gripping exploration of the challenges facing today’s college football coaches, from NIL deals to mental health. A sought-after speaker, Paterno regularly shares insights on leadership, resilience, and the changing landscape of athletics. His writing and commentary have made him a respected voice in sports and leadership circles. Learn more at jayvpaterno.com.