ATHENS - Georgia head coach Mark Richt and former head coach and athletics director Vince Dooley released statements on Sunday night upon the passing of Joe Paterno.

Paterno, ousted last year as Penn State's head coach on the heels of the Jerry Sandusy scandal, died on Sunday morning at the age of 85.

From Richt:

"Katharyn and I got to know Coach Paterno and Sue at a Nike coaches retreat. We were the new kids on the block at that time but the Paternos were very gracious in welcoming us into the head coaching fraternity.  His record stands alone and his immense contributions to Penn State and the game of college football make him one of the greatest coaches of all time."

From Dooley:

"Barbara and I are saddened by the sudden and untimely loss of our long time dear friend Joe Paterno. His wife Sue was a special friend and our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. Joe was a great role model and represented all that was good about college football. It was tragic that such a person had to endure the heartbreaks of his last months on earth. God Bless Joe and Sue."