In a moment of upheaval for Penn State football, stability is coming from inside the Lasch Building, from a man who has worn the blue and white as a player, recruiter and coach for over a decade.
Terry Smith, the longtime cornerbacks coach and associate head coach, has been named interim head coach following the university’s decision to part ways with James Franklin earlier this week. And while the sudden move brought an end to a nearly 12-year era under Franklin, it ushered in a new chapter led by someone deeply embedded in the fabric of the program.
“Coach is a Penn State alum, played here, loves Penn State, been with Coach Franklin for 12 years,” center Nick Dawkins said. “Understands the structure and the system that we’ve been so accustomed to, and just a routine that goes along with it. He’s black and white, very direct, straightforward, which in times like these where there’s uncertainty, that’s exactly what you want.”
Smith, a former Nittany Lion wide receiver, returned to Penn State in 2014 as part of Franklin’s original staff. Since then, he’s become a pillar of the program’s culture, known for his work on the field with defensive backs and on the recruiting trail across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Players say his leadership over the past two days has been both steadying and energizing.
“I think we’ll play with a sense of ownership and pride for Coach Franklin and for Coach Terry,” Dawkins said.
For linebacker Dom DeLuca, Smith’s promotion carries a personal connection that dates back to high school. He said Smith was one of his primary recruiters as an unranked prospect out of Pittston, Pennsylvania.
“He was at my state championship game my senior year, so just being able to have that connection with him for quite some time now,” DeLuca said. “I mean, he’s a guy that’s about his business, and he’s not going to go off course at all. …He’s about dotting the i’s, crossing the t’s and just making sure everyone’s doing everything that holds us accountable and keeps us winning.”
That sense of steadiness is something Smith has built his reputation around throughout his time in Happy Valley. And for players who have been through the grind of a long, emotionally charged season, that kind of presence is welcome.
But Smith isn’t just about structure. He’s also pushing for something the team feels has been missing: excitement and swagger. Wide receiver Devonte Ross said that shift was immediately felt.
“We have a great relationship. I feel like he’s just an honorable person, he’s somebody who’s been here for a very long time, so he understands the tradition and legacy here at Penn State,” Ross said. “And I think right now, moving forward, we just want to do our best job at trying to support him and, you know, trying to make him feel as comfortable as possible.”
Ross said Smith has harped on “bringing swag back” to the team. There’s been a palpable, tense energy around the program this season, especially in the buildup to the Oregon game and ensuing weeks. It’s been a reflection of Franklin, a stoic but intense presence within the program.
For a team that has carried the weight of big expectations, national attention and recent frustrations, the message may be more meaningful than it sounds. Smith’s approach of blending accountability with energy appears to be hitting the right tone at the right time.
“Even though Coach Terry wasn’t the head coach before this, he was always a leader in the Lasch Building, somebody that’s been here with coach Franklin since his time began, and he was also a player and a letterman here,” long snapper Tyler Duzansky said. “So I think we’re in a great spot with coach leading us, and he’ll get us ready to go for Saturday.”
The baton has been passed without breaking stride. Smith has been preparing for this moment, whether or not he knew it was coming, and has hit the ground running. During his introductory press conference Monday, Smith said Franklin had always told him that if anything ever happened, he wanted Smith to be the one to take over, so it wasn’t an unexpected decision.
“There’s a sense of calm with Coach Terry,” Dawkins said. “He’s earned the right to lead us, and we’re going to give him everything we’ve got.”
