New Ohio State coach Urban Meyer. who at one point late in the fall was speculated to be a possible successor to Joe Paterno at Penn State, was "saddened" to learn of the death of Paterno this morning at age 85.

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of coach Joe Paterno," Meyer said in a statement issued by OSU. "He was a man who I have deep respect for as a human being, as a husband and father, as a leader and as a football coach. I was very fortunate to have been able to develop a personal relationship with him, especially over the course of the last several years, and it is something that I will always cherish.

“My prayers and thoughts go out to his wife, Sue, and to their family, and also to the family he had at Penn State University. We have lost a remarkable person and someone who affected the lives of so many people in so many positive ways. His presence will be dearly missed. His legacy as a coach, as a winner and as a champion will carry on forever.”

Meyer was named Ohio State’s 24th head coach on Nov.28 after sitting out the 2011 season following his departure from a six-year, two-national championships run at Florida. Ironically, his last victory for the Gators was over Paterno-led Penn State in the Outback Bowl after the 2010 season. It turned out to be the last bowl game for Paterno, who was forced out at PSU in mid-November in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.