STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Penn State, coming off the worst season in the school’s storied history, reached into the past Wednesday in an attempt to reverse its sagging fortunes.

The Nittany Lions named former Florida coach and Penn State alumnus Galen Hall offensive coordinator as part of three changes within the football program.

Associate head coach Fran Ganter was appointed associate athletic director for football administration and Mike McQuery, a quarterback for the Nittany Lions in the 1990s, was named running backs coach.

Hall most recently served as running backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys in 2002.  He also spent five seasons as coach of the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe.

“Galen has a brilliant football mind, is a very fine teacher and will be great for our offense,” Penn State coach Joe Paterno said.

Hall has a reputation as one of the game’s brightest offensive minds, serving as offensive coordinator on Oklahoma’s national championship teams in 1974-75.  In five-plus seasons at Florida, he posted a 40-18-1 record, earning coach of the year honors in 1984.

Penn States hopes Hall can pump some life into a struggling team.  The Nittany Lions finished 3-9 last season, prompting some observers to suggest the 77-year-old Paterno is too old. Paterno, however, has given no indication he is ready to retire.

“Penn State is the only collegiate situation I would consider, and I really look forward to being back on campus,” said Hall, a native of Williamsburg, Pennsylvania who played at Penn State from 1959-61.  “I want to bring my experiences and outside perspective to help return Penn State to contention for the Big Ten and national championships.”

Gantner has spent the last 37 seasons at Penn State as a player and coach.  As a running back, he helped the Nittany Lions to a 29-3 record from 1967-70, including undefeated seasons in 1968 and 1969.

“Franny is uniquely qualified for this new position,” Paterno said.  “He understands all aspects of the program and will help provide leadership for its continued success.”

McQuery was the Nittany Lions’ starting quarterback in 1997, leading them to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Citrus Bowl.

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