Penn State football coach Joe Paterno told a group of journalists Thursday that he would like to coach beyond the one year he has remaining on his current contract.

"I know it's coming," Paterno said about the end of his coaching career at school, where he's been head coach since 1966. "I know I'm not going to coach 15 more years or 10 more years. But maybe three, four, five more years as long as the good Lord keeps me healthy."

Paterno's team finished 8-4 this season, far below where many experts thought they'd finish. The team was expected to contend for the Big Ten title behind linebacker and Butkus Award finalist Dan Connor, and senior quarterback Anthony Morrelli. But a dismal 14-9 loss to Michigan in the season's fourth game started a tailspin that culminated in a 35-31 loss to end the season at Michigan State. The Lions finished 4-4 in the conference and await a trip to a mid-tier bowl game.

"I thought we'd be better this year," Paterno said. "We should have been 10-2, but I blame myself for that."

Looking at next year, Paterno made a bold prediction: "I think we're going to be right in the thick of things for the national championship."

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.