For those of you who couldn’t imagine the Pennsylvania State University’s football program doing something that would somehow make it even more evil in your eyes, brace yourself. Chas, you in particular are gonna love this…

According to Neil Rudel‘s column in this morning’s edition of the Altoona Mirror, Joe Paterno is very seriously considering hiring former University of Washington head coach Rick Neuheisel for an undisclosed position on his staff.

“The worst-kept secret in State College centers around former Colorado and Washington head coach Rick Neuheisel spending time with Joe Paterno and possibly being in line for some kind of position.”

Rudel offers a quick justification for ignoring all of the NCAA violations in Neuheisel’s past.

“He did leave a checkered wake at Colorado and Washington… But given these desperate times, what with the Lions unable to recruit the quarterback they want — though Penn Hills’ Anthony Morelli visited over the weekend — Neuheisel’s presence could be a drawing card. Stay tuned.”

Stay tuned indeed. You know, in a perverse sort of way, I hope that Penn State does hire Rick Neuheisel. Wouldn’t it great to see Joe Paterno wrap up his career with a few solid NCAA recruiting violations?

Hail to Nittany Lion desperation. And hands off Morelli already.