STATE COLLEGE — Spurned for the head-coaching job by the only employer he’s ever known, Penn State’s Tom Bradley has returned to life as an assistant coach.

But it’s unclear how much longer he’ll be coaching in Happy Valley.

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien was formally introduced Saturday as the replacement for fired head coach Joe Paterno.

Bradley served 33 years as an assistant coach at his alma mater, including the last two months as the interim coach following Paterno’s ouster by school trustees Nov. 9 in the aftermath of child sex abuse charges against retired assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

He interviewed for the permanent job, drawing support from many former players and alumni. Acting Athletic Director David Joyner said Bradley received serious consideration.

Bradley was still on the staff as of Saturday, though his fate could be determined the next few days when O’Brien meets with current assistants. He would like to name the rest of his staff during that time.