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Patriots' O'Brien nearing deal to become Penn State head coach

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien spent all day Thursday at State College interviewing with Penn State for its head-coaching job and, according to sources close to the Nittany Lions' program, the interview went so well that O'Brien will continue discussions with the school Friday.

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O'Brien is still scheduled to interview with the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend, but that obviously would change should he finalize a deal with Penn State.

O'Brien has been a top candidate for the job, and he's known to have always been interested in it.

San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman also has publicly expressed interest in the Penn State job, which came open in November when longtime coach Joe Paterno was fired over the handling of child sex-abuse allegations against former assistant Jerry Sandusky.

If O'Brien departs New England, that could pave the way for St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' return to working with Tom Brady in New England, where the coach began his NFL career.

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