(AP) - Multiple media reports are saying NewEngland Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien has agreed tosucceed legendary Joe Paterno and fill the vacant Penn Statehead-coaching position. Agent Joe Linta tells The Associated Pressthat O'Brien was "flattered by the interest."

ESPN, citing unnamed sources, first reported Thursday night thatan official announcement would be made Saturday, and that O'Brienwould continue on as an assistant with the Patriots the rest of thepostseason.

O'Brien first joined New England in 2007 following 14 seasons asa college assistant. He made stops at Duke, Maryland and GeorgiaTech. He played college football at Brown -Paterno's alma mater.

Paterno was fired two months ago in the aftermath of child sexabuse charges against retired defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.Paterno, Division I's winningest coach with 409 victories, coached46 seasons before trustees ousted him Nov. 9.