Joe Paterno lasted 46 years as Penn State’s head football coach.
Russ Rose will fall just three years short of that.
After building Penn State volleyball into a powerhouse and, at its peak, an empire over four decades, Rose announced his retirement the day before Christmas Eve.
After assisting at Nebraska for two seasons, Rose’s Penn State career started in 1979, when Disco was still a thing, Jimmy Carter was president and a channel called ESPN had just been born. From then until now, Rose’s teams won seven national championships, 17 Big Ten championships and 1,330 games against 229 losses.
Forever Blue and White
A legend retires. #WeAre
📰: https://t.co/lVu9sCOZNH pic.twitter.com/Wa23dBbbQa
— Penn State Women’s Volleyball (@PennStateVBALL) December 23, 2021
“It has been my pleasure to serve as the head coach of the Penn State women’s volleyball program over the last 43 seasons,” Rose’s statement said. “My time here has provided my family and me many memories and relationships that we will carry with us.”
Athletic Director Sandy Barbour praised Rose for getting his players ready for life after Penn State.
“He truly prepared his student athletes for a lifetime of impact during his time in the Blue & White,” Barbour said. “We also want to recognize Russ’s wife, Lori, and the entire Rose family, who played a huge role in the success of Penn State women’s volleyball during Russ’s career.”
Penn State will conduct a national search to find Rose’s replacement. Rose will stay with Penn State in an advisory role while Katie Schumacher-Cawley takes over as interim coach.
Rose ended his statement by thanking his “players, managers and support staff for their dedication, in addition to all of the assistants who have helped shape the culture and success of the program.”
