Terry Smith’s Momentum Grows as Penn State’s Coaching Search Drags On
Terry Smith is starting to look less like a stopgap and more like the solution in Happy Valley.
According to a report, some of Penn State’s top donors are now actively pushing for Smith-currently serving as interim head coach-to be promoted to the full-time role. And honestly, given the way things have unfolded since James Franklin’s firing back in October, it’s not hard to understand why.
Smith has had the support of the locker room and the fanbase from the jump. That support was on full display during Penn State’s 37-10 win over Nebraska on Senior Night. One fan’s “Hire Terry Smith” sign made its way to the sideline and became part of the postgame celebration-a small moment, but one that spoke volumes about the groundswell of backing he’s received.
Now, let’s talk results. Smith’s 3-3 record as interim head coach might not leap off the page, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
Penn State dropped two heartbreakers-one-point losses to Iowa and second-ranked Indiana-that easily could’ve gone the other way. Flip either of those, and we’re talking about a 4-2 or even 5-1 interim stint.
That changes the conversation entirely.
And here’s the thing: we’re now 52 days into Penn State’s coaching search, and the list of available candidates is shrinking fast.
Just on Wednesday, Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline took the head job at South Florida. Georgia Tech locked up Brent Key with an extension.
Jeff Brohm made it clear he’s staying put at Louisville. The coaching carousel is moving, and Penn State is still without a rider.
That’s where Smith’s case gains even more traction. He knows the program inside and out.
He’s been a steady hand during a turbulent stretch. And while the search continues, his name keeps climbing the list-if it ever left the top in the first place.
The longer this goes, the clearer it becomes: Terry Smith isn’t just holding the fort. He might be the guy to lead it.