Interim Coach Terry Smith Wants Penn State to Have Fun Again

While still grappling with the midseason shift, Smith spoke sternly of taking the reins and promising a shift in team morale. 

“We have to get our grittiness back, our toughness, our swag and most importantly, we have to go have fun, enjoy playing the game of football,” said Smith, who also coached Penn State's cornerbacks.

There was emotion in his voice and inflection and power behind his words. In his last three weeks behind that same microphone, Franklin seemed to answer questions on autopilot in a tone that felt dejected and lost. 

Smith called for the players to stick together and recapture their enjoyment for the game. The three consecutive losses appeared to drain some of the life out of the Nittany Lions. In his last press conference after the loss to Northwestern, Franklin even said that external noise took a toll on the locker room. 

Smith sought to infuse energy back into the program and fan base through that media session.

“When you watch us play, you guys will come in here and your questions won't be [about] effort,” Smith said. “Your questions won't be, they look lethargic. If we lose, it's going to be because that team beat us and they were just better. 

“We won't answer questions about how we lost the last three games. There is not one of those teams that we could arguably say was better than us, including Oregon. So I promise, we're going to put a better product on the field that every Penn Stater will be super proud of.”

Giving back to Penn State

Smith is a third-generation Penn Stater. His father graduated in 1968, and Smith was a three-year starting receiver and team captain for the Nittany Lions before graduating in 1991. Smith’s stepson Justin King played for Penn State in the 2000s, and his daughter Haley recently graduated from Penn State. 

“Penn State has done so much for me and my family,” Smith said. “... I just want to give back to this community what it's always given to me and my family. It means everything to me. I don't see working here as a job. I love waking up every morning and showing up for work and trying to make us better.”

Now as the interim head coach, Smith wants to give back by resetting the program through uncertainty. He also would like a chance to be considered for the permanent role. Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft said that Smith “absolutely” is a candidate.

“I would be remiss to say if the opportunity didn't put itself out there for me to be the head coach permanently, absolutely I would love that opportunity,” Smith said.