James Franklin’s exit was rather messy as Penn State stumbled to a 3-3 record. It was a harsh outcome for the very team that stood second during the first two weeks. But then, interim HC, Terry Smith took charge, handling the turbulence well. So why is Patrick Kraft looking for a replacement in the market when he has the best one right at Happy Valley?

As a Penn State native, Smith has leaned heavily on relationships: kept the staff largely the same, told players “my interview is every day that I’m operating in this seat,” and made it about them.

So to make a strong case for Terry Smith’s permanent seat at the PSU helm, former Nittany Lions player and present cornerbacks coach Jordan Lucas made an emotional statement. “100% I think he should be the next coach here at Penn State,” Lucas said in an interview.

“Hearing him speak in the locker room and talk to these guys: the way he has their ear, the way he has their attention. I’m so jealous. I’m so jealous because I want to play for him so bad. Again, just one more time.”

Lucas, who played under Smith when he was an assistant, calls him a “father figure” who influenced both his football career and personal life. Lucas knows what it means to play under Terry Smith, now that he is an interim coach and commands the locker room.

As Penn State’s assistant head coach, Smith quickly became one of Franklin’s most trusted guys. It’s pretty impressive considering he came in as the outsider back in 2014. He had history there, though. Smith was a three-year letterman and a standout receiver for Joe Paterno in the late ’80s.

Even though he didn’t play in the 1987 national title game, he once joked that he could “recite every play” from it. On Franklin’s staff, he basically became the go-to link between the old Penn State and the new era. Over the next 11-plus years, Smith handled a ton of significant responsibilities like recruiting, keeping guys in the program, and developing the roster from all angles.

When Penn State slipped to 3–3, he stepped in on the field and took control. Nobody expected him to pull off a miracle, but he was determined to keep the players from folding after everything that’s gone down this season.

In his debut against Iowa, Smith walked into Kinnick Stadium wearing a T-shirt that simply said “IF.” It was one word, but with multiple possible meanings. Penn State fought, but came up short by a narrow margin. Then came the No. 1 Buckeyes. Smith went in wanting to hit a few big plays and keep Ohio State’s receivers from burning them deep.

The plan didn’t stick, and the Nittany Lions took a 38–14 loss. But the Indiana game? That one brought out a completely different Penn State. Plus, they did it with a backup QB running the show.

Penn State actually outgained Indiana 336–326. Backup QB, Ethan Grunkemeyer, threw for one more yard than Fernando Mendoza (219 to 218), and Nicholas Singleton ripped off the longest run of the day with a 59-yard burst in the second half. Even with all that, the game still ended in a borderline heartbreak. Smith was finally able to stop the bleeding with that 28–10 win at Michigan State.

The 56-year-old has sincerely earned the love from the PSU locker room. Players like long snapper Tyler Duzansky say Smith “stepped into the fire and didn’t waver once.” Then Linebacker Amare Campbell praised how Smith “calls everybody out” without sugarcoating.

Offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh, once barely familiar with Smith, grew to love him deeply. After the win against the Spartans, Donkoh said, “I just wanted to show him some love. I love Coach Terry.” Smith’s blue-blood roots run deep. He embodies the Penn State family culture, not the typical “business-like” vibe that some programs adopt. Safety Zakee Wheatley sums it up: “Everyone loves him. I think he just bleeds Penn State.”

PSU front desk isn’t really sold on Terry Smith just yet

Terry Smith can get all the love he wants from PSU staffers and players. However, the front desk administration will still proceed with the James Franklin replacement search. And guess what? Will Stein, Oregon’s savvy offensive coordinator with a $1.75 million contract, suddenly popped on Penn State’s radar as a top candidate. Stein’s name carries some serious weight.

He’s coached back-to-back Heisman Trophy candidates, and during his debut season in Oregon, he provided a jump to the Ducks’ offense, putting them No. 4 nationally. He played a key role in developing standout wide receivers such as the Denver Broncos’ rising star Tez Johnson. And let’s not forget Bo Nix, whom Stein helped turn into a Heisman contender. But will he actually leave Eugene? That’s the burning question.

But will he actually leave Eugene? That’s the burning question. Oregon’s head coach, Dan Lanning, isn’t exactly keen to lose his star coordinator anytime soon, showering Stein with praise after a dominant 42-13 win over Minnesota. Lanning’s glowing remarks make it clear that Stein is a prized asset on their roster, signed through 2027. Plus, Stein has openly said he’d only jump ship for a head coaching job. In that case, Penn State’s vacancy fits that bill perfectly.