(CNN) -- Penn State has hired a new permanent coach to head its embattled football program, with the team's quarterback saying that he and other players are "excited" for a "fresh start." Matt McGinn told CNN affiliate WBRE that he hopes the selection of New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien will help "erase some of the things that have happened in the past year." "It should be exciting for everyone," said McGinn, acknowledging that some Penn State alumni have voiced dissatisfaction with the move since O'Brien didn't attend the State College school. "The most important thing is that the players are happy."
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Bill O'Brien is hired at Penn State's next football coach
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The team's quarterback says "players are happy" and the hire is "exciting"
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Last fall, Penn State trustees fired legendary coach Joe Paterno
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This followed ex-coach Jerry Sandusky's being charged with sexually abusing boys
We have that leader in Coach @placeholder, and I look forward to working with him in his new role."