STATE COLLEGE (KDKA) – Coach Joe Paterno and the Penn State Nittany Lions are in Tampa, Fla. preparing for the Outback Bowl against the Florida Gators on New Year’s Day.

Paterno and the Nittany Lions are now fighting back rumors that JoePa will be walking away from the team after the New Year’s Day game.

CollegeFootballTalk.com was citing unnamed sources around Penn State’s athletic department that”wheels have been set in motion” for JoePa to walk away. The sources cited health concerns as the main reason for Paterno’s retirement.

Paterno celebrated his 84th birthday last week with the team, while they were practicing at the Philadelphia Phillies’ spring training complex.

Paterno has not addressed the Internet rumors of his impending retirement. He previously said he intends to return for the 2011 season.

However, Paterno does have people close to him denying the rumors including team captain Brett Brackett.

Paterno’s wife, Sue is not happy with all the rumors about her husband’s health. In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, she said the rumors are “just lies” and her husband’s health “is fine.”