Why Terry Smith Special? Meet Penn State Interim Coach After James Franklin Firing

Penn State football is entering a new era after the shocking firing of James Franklin on October 12, 2025. In his place, associate head coach Terry Smith has been named interim head coach, tasked with steering the Nittany Lions through the rest of the season. With six games left and a 3-3 record, Smith’s leadership could shape the future of one of college football’s most storied programs.

Franklin’s departure came less than a day after an upset home loss to Northwestern, capping a string of disappointing performances that derailed a season once filled with playoff hopes. Smith’s appointment is seen as both a stabilizing move and a nod to his long-standing influence within the Penn State program.

Terry Smith’s Journey: From Penn State Player to Interim Head Coach

Terry Smith is not a newcomer to Penn State football. A former wide receiver for the Nittany Lions under legendary coach Joe Paterno, Smith was a three-year starter who helped the team win the 1989 Holiday Bowl and the 1991 Fiesta Bowl. He still ranks among the top receivers in school history for touchdowns and yardage.

After his playing career, Smith turned to coaching, building a successful résumé that included over a decade as head coach at Gateway High School in Pennsylvania, where his teams compiled a 101-30 record and reached the state championship game four times. His transition to college coaching began at Temple in 2013 as a wide receivers coach under Matt Rhule before returning to Penn State in 2014.

Since joining Franklin’s staff, Smith has served in several key roles: defensive recruiting coordinator, cornerbacks coach, assistant head coach, and eventually associate head coach in 2021. His defensive back units have consistently ranked among the nation’s best, producing multiple All-Americans and top NFL draft picks like Joey Porter Jr. and Kalen King.

Smith’s recruiting acumen is equally impressive. He was ranked the No. 4 recruiter in the Big Ten by 247Sports in 2023 and has been instrumental in securing nine top-15 recruiting classes over the past 11 years. His ability to identify and develop talent has been central to Penn State’s sustained competitiveness.

What Smith Brings to Penn State’s Future

Smith’s promotion brings both continuity and hope to a program seeking to salvage its season. His familiarity with the roster and existing relationships with players could help stabilize morale and performance during a turbulent transition. Moreover, his reputation as a player-focused leader and elite recruiter may resonate well in the locker room and on the recruiting trail.

While Smith’s tenure as interim coach is currently set for the remainder of the 2025 season, his performance could determine whether he becomes a serious candidate for the permanent role. Penn State faces critical matchups ahead, including a high-stakes clash with Iowa in six days that could define the direction of the program.

For Smith, this is more than just an interim appointment — it’s an opportunity to prove that his decades of experience and deep roots within Penn State football have prepared him for the spotlight.

As Penn State begins this new chapter, Terry Smith’s leadership will be closely watched by fans, alumni, and college football observers alike. Whether he remains beyond 2025 will depend on how well he can turn around a season that once promised greatness but quickly unraveled.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Terry Smith?

Terry Smith is a former Penn State wide receiver and longtime assistant coach who was named interim head coach after James Franklin’s firing in October 2025.

Q2: What roles has Terry Smith held at Penn State?

Smith has been associate head coach, defensive recruiting coordinator, and cornerbacks coach since joining the staff in 2014.

Q3: How successful was Smith as a recruiter?

Smith has helped Penn State secure nine top-15 recruiting classes and was ranked the No. 4 recruiter in the Big Ten in 2023.

Q4: Could Terry Smith become the permanent head coach?

If Penn State performs well under his leadership, Smith could be considered for the permanent job at the end of the 2025 season.

Q5: What was Smith’s playing career like?

Smith was a three-year starter at wide receiver for Penn State and played key roles in the team’s Holiday Bowl and Fiesta Bowl victories.