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News—Oct. 13, 2025
Penn State Introduces Interim Head Coach Terry Smith
Penn State Athletics Director & Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Patrick Kraft, officially introduced Terry Smith as the Interim Head Coach at the Monday media session. Kraft also outlined his thoughts on what he’s looking for in Penn State’s next head coach.
Terry Smith has been with Penn State since he joined James Franklin’s first staff back in 2014. He’s primarily been the Cornerbacks coach and since 2021, he’s also held the title of Associate Head Coach. He has also been PSU’s defensive recruiting coordinator for 12 seasons. Smith’s only experience as a head coach was at Gateway High School near Pittsburgh from 2002-2012. Smith played at Penn State as a Flanker from 1987-1991 under Joe Paterno and he followed with 3 seasons in the CFL with Toronto and Shreveport. Smith also has prior ties to Kraft from his single season as an assistant under Matt Rhule at Temple in 2013. At the Monday presser, Kraft said that Smith “will pour his heart and soul into the role” of interim head coach. Smith said that “we (the team) need to get back to enjoying ball; being tough, gritty and passionate”. Kraft also said that Smith would have his full backing to run the table (the remaining 6 games) and would get consideration for the permanent job. Smith becomes the second former Penn State player to serve in the role of Interim Head Coach joining Tom Bradley (4 games in 2011). Smith is also the 6th former Penn State player to serve in a PSU head coaching role (permanent or interim) along with George Hoskins (1892-95), Dick Harlow (1915-17), Bob Higgins (1930-48), Joe Bedenk (1949), and Tom Bradley (2011).
As for the next Head Coach at Penn State, Kraft wants an elite leader and motivator who will attract elite talent and make Penn State a destination where their talent will be developed. Kraft also wants someone who fits the Penn State style—a tough, blue-collar worker who understands the Nittany Lions tradition and can build on it.
On the matter of the James Franklin contract buyout (reportedly $48.6 million), Kraft said the athletics department alone will absorb all the costs.
Personnel note: Grad Assistant Jordan Lucas will take over the role of Cornerbacks coach from Smith. Lucas played for Penn State as a cornerback/safety from 2012-2015 under Bill O’Brien and James Franklin. Lucas played parts of 5 seasons in the NFL winning Super Bowl LIV with the Kansas City Chiefs.
