Do you want PSU to hire Terry Smith as Head Coach?

Should PSU make Terry the permanent Head Coach

  • Yes

    Votes: 96 48.5%
  • No

    Votes: 71 35.9%
  • On the fence (or waiting for Gunsie’s answer so I can choose the opposite)

    Votes: 31 15.7%

  • Total voters
    198

Mr. Pittsburgh

Freshman
Oct 27, 2021
43
69
18
That's about the 10th time that I've seen it mentioned now. Honest question...did anyone mention the tan khakis once in the hundred times that Franklin's staff was in them?
Probably not, because Franklin was not allowed to mention the name Joe Paterno -It was probably written in his contract! However, you get where I'm coming from. The pin, the khakis, the references to Paterno. That is Terry's style, and I think there was some strategy there. Players on his side, player Alumni on his side, old school Penn State fans on his side... creates an interesting dynamic IMO.
 

Ram20

All-Conference
Jul 29, 2013
515
1,046
93
Here’s where I stand on the Terry Smith head coach situation:

1. I don’t believe there’s a true “grand slam” coaching option available who would immediately elevate Penn State into national championship contention. Outside of landing someone like Cignetti or Marcus Freeman, most of the current options feel like lateral moves who would deliver results similar to BGJ.

2. Penn State fans will show up regardless. The program could hire a golden retriever as head coach and still sell out tickets, merchandise, and suites. PSU’s fan base is massive, loyal, and—admittedly—in a good way, a little crazy.

3. High school recruiting doesn’t hold the same value it once did. With traditional recruiting, you’re rolling the dice; with the transfer portal, you’re getting proven players. The reality is simple: pay-to-play dominates the sport now. Success requires serious NIL resources and donor commitment.

4. For years, Penn State has tried to distance itself from the Paterno era—avoiding references to the legacy, steering away from its imagery, and presenting a “new” identity for the program. Many believed BGJ represented another fresh era, but maybe that idea deserves reconsideration.

Terry Smith has shown passion, heart, and a deep commitment to Penn State. He openly references the Paterno legacy, highlights the program’s traditions, wears a Joe Paterno pin, and even has his staff in tan khakis on the sideline. And let’s be honest—long-time PSU fans are eating it up. These are also the fans who have significant donor influence, not the 23- and 24-year-olds. Terry could potentially be a lower-cost head-coach option, allowing more resources to be poured into recruiting and NIL efforts. The real question is whether the “new” Penn State is willing to embrace someone who embodies the program’s traditional identity.



If you have the money, the players, and a little momentum, any of these coaching options—Terry included—could get the job done.



Just sharing some thoughts and curious to hear yours as well.
Great post. Just exploring one element a little more, what is the definition of "getting the job done"? I say that to again point out that Franklin and many on this board, fairly(although I disagree), think 10,11 win seasons whereby the team goes to big games like the BIG ten championship, or the playoffs and loses ultimately is certainly getting the job done. Kraft clearly thinks differently(rightly or wrongly) that "getting the job done" means winning national championships. I point this out, because I think he determined Franklin was not going to meet HIS definition of getting the job done. Terry is going to have to convince him, therefore, that a Championship winning coach was on the staff the entire time. Not that Terry can "get the job done" in the way many define it.....it's can he win a championship? Now, many will point out the folly in that statement, how many current coaches really can win a championship, but I didn't set the parameters, Kraft did. If his desire was a tougher team that honored Joe, Terry would certainly already be hire. Kraft is in a corner now, one of his own doing, but I won't criticize him until I know who he hires.
 

PSU4U

All-American
Aug 6, 2019
6,666
6,977
113
I would be happy if PSU hired Terry Smith. Good man. I like his attitude and believe that he can recruit well. Give him a chance.
I agree whole heartedly.

On his recruiting he was head and shoulders the best recruiter on staff in the almost 12 years he has been here. He is better than LJ SR ever was when he was here and he might be the best recruiter at PS of all time or at least this side of Fran Ganter recruiting RB's.

Terry Smith would be an excellent hire and it has nothing to do with that BS emotion or alum excuse.

If you're not landing one of the top 4 HC 's on Kraft's list then hire Terry Smith now and get on with it righting the ship. Just put an end to the madness.
 

PSU4U

All-American
Aug 6, 2019
6,666
6,977
113
No. We could maybe do worse but you don’t fire Franklin to hire his assistant coach. With everything on the line (stadium expansion, adidas rebranding, etc) you need a big/hot name who is going to move the program in a new direction. Hate to say it, but need a clean break from Paterno/Franklin.

Smith would do well to tamp down the brewing LJSR situation about him being the next HC - will divide the locker room and spread ill will. Need to move on with a new coach and Smith needs to play his role in the transition.
Firing Franklin had nothing to do with hiring the next coach. Had Franklin not publicly wiped his butt with the university in his press conference he might still be here.
 
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KingoftheBigTen

Redshirt
Oct 15, 2025
43
28
7
Maybe for Terry Smiths last performative coaching appearance he could wear White Face, Black Nikes and Khakis. Really show Rutgers how it’s done.
 
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Erial_Lion

All-Conference
Nov 1, 2021
3,401
4,096
113
Probably not, because Franklin was not allowed to mention the name Joe Paterno -It was probably written in his contract! However, you get where I'm coming from. The pin, the khakis, the references to Paterno. That is Terry's style, and I think there was some strategy there. Players on his side, player Alumni on his side, old school Penn State fans on his side... creates an interesting dynamic IMO.
Did Terry say anything about the khakis, or are people making assumptions? I never thought anything of them, since that’s what our coaches are often wearing.
 

VT00

Sophomore
Nov 2, 2016
102
178
33
Did Terry say anything about the khakis, or are people making assumptions? I never thought anything of them, since that’s what our coaches are often wearing.
Just a quick google image search - JF appears to be wearing khakis in every picture where he's actively coaching on the sidelines.
 

MacNit

All-Conference
Oct 12, 2021
2,076
1,925
113
I agree whole heartedly.

On his recruiting he was head and shoulders the best recruiter on staff in the almost 12 years he has been here. He is better than LJ SR ever was when he was here and he might be the best recruiter at PS of all time or at least this side of Fran Ganter recruiting RB's.

Terry Smith would be an excellent hire and it has nothing to do with that BS emotion or alum excuse.

If you're not landing one of the top 4 HC 's on Kraft's list then hire Terry Smith now and get on with it righting the ship. Just put an end to the madness.
Tom Bradley was PSU’s ace recruiter for years. (Other than Joe in his prime)
 
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MacNit

All-Conference
Oct 12, 2021
2,076
1,925
113
I agree whole heartedly.

On his recruiting he was head and shoulders the best recruiter on staff in the almost 12 years he has been here. He is better than LJ SR ever was when he was here and he might be the best recruiter at PS of all time or at least this side of Fran Ganter recruiting RB's.

Terry Smith would be an excellent hire and it has nothing to do with that BS emotion or alum excuse.

If you're not landing one of the top 4 HC 's on Kraft's list then hire Terry Smith now and get on with it righting the ship. Just put an end to the madness.
What “madness?” How did you expect such a high profile search to go. The only way to avoid it was to hire Urban. Apparently someone(s) had a problem with him?
 
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PaForest75

Freshman
Oct 20, 2025
86
78
18
Probably not, because Franklin was not allowed to mention the name Joe Paterno -It was probably written in his contract! However, you get where I'm coming from. The pin, the khakis, the references to Paterno. That is Terry's style, and I think there was some strategy there. Players on his side, player Alumni on his side, old school Penn State fans on his side... creates an interesting dynamic IMO.

I just hope I'm still allowed to be a Paterno fan but not a fan of hiring an interim coach for the full time spot. Still if it's down to Fitzgerald and Al Golden then I am OK with Smith getting it. If a better candidate is out there, Penn State needs to bring them in.
 

Moogy

All-Conference
Jul 28, 2017
3,295
2,243
113
That's about the 10th time that I've seen it mentioned now. Honest question...did anyone mention the tan khakis once in the hundred times that Franklin's staff was in them?

Khakis + BUTTON!

You can't leave out half the equation. Any schmoe can wear khakis ... but when that button shone bright, reflecting the glorious light from on high ... well, it was like the second coming!
 

Moogy

All-Conference
Jul 28, 2017
3,295
2,243
113
I don't even want to think what the JoeBots did to their cardboard JoePa cutouts while playing this song in the background on Saturday night ...

 

PSU4U

All-American
Aug 6, 2019
6,666
6,977
113
What “madness?” How did you expect such a high profile search to go. The only way to avoid it was to hire Urban. Apparently someone(s) had a problem with him?
Almost everyone in on the interview had a problem with him. He gave a crappy interview; he went in unprepared and thought he would get hired on his name a rep. Supposedly he wanted our fav WO coach and current OC in training at OSU to be his OC and named HC in waiting a non-flyer from the get-go. Anyone who says differently doesn't know the truth of it and the fact that Meyer denies interviewing makes him a liar.
 
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MacNit

All-Conference
Oct 12, 2021
2,076
1,925
113
Almost everyone in on the interview had a problem with him. He gave a crappy interview; he went in unprepared and thought he would get hired on his name a rep. Supposedly he wanted our fav WO coach and current OC in training at OSU to be his OC and named HC in waiting a non-flyer from the get-go. Anyone who says differently doesn't know the truth of it and the fact that Meyer denies interviewing makes him a liar.
And you know this definitively?

in any case, Urbana’s record minimizes urgency of “nailing tne interview.” This is not some project manger cubicle job in the corporate world.
 

MacNit

All-Conference
Oct 12, 2021
2,076
1,925
113
Almost everyone in on the interview had a problem with him. He gave a crappy interview; he went in unprepared and thought he would get hired on his name a rep. Supposedly he wanted our fav WO coach and current OC in training at OSU to be his OC and named HC in waiting a non-flyer from the get-go. Anyone who says differently doesn't know the truth of it and the fact that Meyer denies interviewing makes him a liar.
Plausible deniability is nothing unique to Urban.
 

VT00

Sophomore
Nov 2, 2016
102
178
33
I just hope I'm still allowed to be a Paterno fan but not a fan of hiring an interim coach for the full time spot. Still if it's down to Fitzgerald and Al Golden then I am OK with Smith getting it. If a better candidate is out there, Penn State needs to bring them in.
Anyone is allowed to be a Paterno fan, but it's also perfectly fine to think it isn't necessary for the new coach to talk about him in any capacity.
 

PSUcup

Junior
Nov 6, 2012
199
288
63
Almost everyone in on the interview had a problem with him. He gave a crappy interview; he went in unprepared and thought he would get hired on his name a rep. Supposedly he wanted our fav WO coach and current OC in training at OSU to be his OC and named HC in waiting a non-flyer from the get-go. Anyone who says differently doesn't know the truth of it and the fact that Meyer denies interviewing makes him a liar.
And I still would
Have hired him on the spot
 

PaForest75

Freshman
Oct 20, 2025
86
78
18
Yeah, that's a hard story to believe. If you had a chance to hire Urban and somehow blew that, then you pretty much pulled a Big Game James with that kind of choking. Here we are now wondering if even Kenny Chesney will take it.
 
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84lion

All-Conference
Oct 7, 2021
694
1,155
93
And I still would
Have hired him on the spot
So would I. In fact, that scenario, Meyer as HC and Hartline (assume that's the OC in training at OSU) as OC was exactly what I wanted. I suspect that's why the noise about Hartline dropped off recently.

As far as the interview, if Meyer came off as "above needing an interview," that's probably what deep-sixed him. But this isn't the boss interviewing someone for a middle-manager job. I don't think Kraft is the easiest guy to work for, and he had just gone through an apparently rough parting with Franklin. I suspect that might be why a lot of candidates have popped up and then dropped off the radar.

I wonder, if it wasn't Penn State, would even Terry Smith want to work for Kraft?
 

Mr. Pittsburgh

Freshman
Oct 27, 2021
43
69
18
Great post. Just exploring one element a little more, what is the definition of "getting the job done"? I say that to again point out that Franklin and many on this board, fairly(although I disagree), think 10,11 win seasons whereby the team goes to big games like the BIG ten championship, or the playoffs and loses ultimately is certainly getting the job done. Kraft clearly thinks differently(rightly or wrongly) that "getting the job done" means winning national championships. I point this out, because I think he determined Franklin was not going to meet HIS definition of getting the job done. Terry is going to have to convince him, therefore, that a Championship winning coach was on the staff the entire time. Not that Terry can "get the job done" in the way many define it.....it's can he win a championship? Now, many will point out the folly in that statement, how many current coaches really can win a championship, but I didn't set the parameters, Kraft did. If his desire was a tougher team that honored Joe, Terry would certainly already be hire. Kraft is in a corner now, one of his own doing, but I won't criticize him until I know who he hires.
You are spot on. Kraft set the expectation and narrative. The issue is... in my opinion, these coaches that we may or may not land are at the same caliber if not less than BGJ. I don’t think any of the ones discussed on this thread are a SLAM DUNK and National Championship contender coach. Getting the job done in my opinion is keeping the team in contention, keeping the fan base, keep the donors pushing in the cash… That is what the university wants. If they have that, they are in business. Might as well try to accomplish that with a lower salary coach and more funds to bring in players (which may help to push the needle).
 
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KingLando

All-Conference
Nov 29, 2021
2,794
1,901
113
The guarantee is for two years. The contract can be for 5, 6 or 7 years. It is not too different than the contracts given to MLB, NFL or NBA players and in some cases their coaches / managers. The elite players (Aaron Judge, Shohei Otani and similar elite players) receive the mega guarantees. It's a matter of understanding leverage. Terry will be in demand, but most likely not as a head coach at a P4 school. I could see interest in him as a head coach at a G4 or FCS school. Salary ranges for those jobs are typically in the 500K to 2 million range. Top end for a first-time coordinator position at a P4 school is probably in the 1.5 to 2 million range, depending on prior credentials. A P4 position coach with an associate or assistant HC
augmentation is around 1 million. Terry might get a little more than this based on his recruiting prowess and connections, particularly western PA.
What coach would agree to this?
Terry absolutely isn't in demand. He'll either be on our staff or Va Tech's.
 

KingLando

All-Conference
Nov 29, 2021
2,794
1,901
113
Even if he was allowed, why would he? The priority of the head coach should be his players and staff members.
Correct--no coach should be focusing on the past--worry about the present and future.
I don't hear FSU coaches talking about Bowden
Does DoBoer talk about Saban constant or Bear?
Of course not, it makes zero sense that our fans want this,
 
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Erial_Lion

All-Conference
Nov 1, 2021
3,401
4,096
113
The guarantee is for two years. The contract can be for 5, 6 or 7 years. It is not too different than the contracts given to MLB, NFL or NBA players and in some cases their coaches / managers. The elite players (Aaron Judge, Shohei Otani and similar elite players) receive the mega guarantees.
How are the contracts that college football coaches get any different than the contracts that NBA players get, or MLB players once they are eligible for free agency?
 

VT00

Sophomore
Nov 2, 2016
102
178
33
Correct--no coach should be focusing on the past--worry about the present and future.
I don't hear FSU coaches talking about Bowden
Does DoBoer talk about Saban constant or Bear?
Of course not, it makes zero sense that our fans want this,
It’s mind numbing
 
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Mr. Pittsburgh

Freshman
Oct 27, 2021
43
69
18
Correct--no coach should be focusing on the past--worry about the present and future.
I don't hear FSU coaches talking about Bowden
Does DoBoer talk about Saban constant or Bear?
Of course not, it makes zero sense that our fans want this,
The problem is that the legacy fans cannot move forward. To be quite honest, it was probably because of the way in which that entire event went down. If Joe goes out on top, at his own will, with no issues, perhaps the legacy fans and heavy donors could part ways easier. However, due to the nature of the past, there is still a mentality from the fans that want that legacy embedded into the future. It seems like the previous players want that legacy embedded into the future (pushing for Terry). It seems like the current players want that legacy embedded into the future. I have been part of organizations that lost a leader due to XYZ issues and the organization could simply not "let go" of how things "used to be." I have then seen new leaders step in and "mirror" the past and have had amazing success. Know your crowd, know your clientele, and adjust. I hope for a new coach, with new energy and the capacity to take Penn State Football to a national championship victory... but I also respect and understand why some would like to see legacy through Terry in the future.
 

KingLando

All-Conference
Nov 29, 2021
2,794
1,901
113
The problem is that the legacy fans cannot move forward. To be quite honest, it was probably because of the way in which that entire event went down. If Joe goes out on top, at his own will, with no issues, perhaps the legacy fans and heavy donors could part ways easier. However, due to the nature of the past, there is still a mentality from the fans that want that legacy embedded into the future. It seems like the previous players want that legacy embedded into the future (pushing for Terry). It seems like the current players want that legacy embedded into the future. I have been part of organizations that lost a leader due to XYZ issues and the organization could simply not "let go" of how things "used to be." I have then seen new leaders step in and "mirror" the past and have had amazing success. Know your crowd, know your clientele, and adjust. I hope for a new coach, with new energy and the capacity to take Penn State Football to a national championship victory... but I also respect and understand why some would like to see legacy through Terry in the future.
All fair. Where we differ is I don't respect people trying to make future decisions based on an ancient past. Paterno has been gone for a very long time. The kids we are recruiting aren't old enough to have seen him coach.
At this point I'm praying we get Urban just to piss off that group lol
 
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Mongrel

Redshirt
Oct 31, 2021
29
41
13
How are the contracts that college football coaches get any different than the contracts that NBA players get, or MLB players once they are eligible for free agency?
They're not too different per se. The contract that they receive is dependent upon their status as a player (or a coach / manager). An elite established player (but not too old) will most likely receive a multi-year contract that is fully guaranteed. A player that is established but not necessarily a star will receive a multi-year contract however, only a portion is guaranteed (signing bonus?). Players on the fringe receive a contract that is contingent on their making the team, no guarantees. There is no standard template except for the usual clauses that would be contained in an employment agreement,
 

KingLando

All-Conference
Nov 29, 2021
2,794
1,901
113
They're not too different per se. The contract that they receive is dependent upon their status as a player (or a coach / manager). An elite established player (but not too old) will most likely receive a multi-year contract that is fully guaranteed. A player that is established but not necessarily a star will receive a multi-year contract however, only a portion is guaranteed (signing bonus?). Players on the fringe receive a contract that is contingent on their making the team, no guarantees. There is no standard template except for the usual clauses that would be contained in an employment agreement,
The courts would never allow this
 

Erial_Lion

All-Conference
Nov 1, 2021
3,401
4,096
113
They're not too different per se. The contract that they receive is dependent upon their status as a player (or a coach / manager). An elite established player (but not too old) will most likely receive a multi-year contract that is fully guaranteed. A player that is established but not necessarily a star will receive a multi-year contract however, only a portion is guaranteed (signing bonus?). Players on the fringe receive a contract that is contingent on their making the team, no guarantees. There is no standard template except for the usual clauses that would be contained in an employment agreement,
You're thinking NFL. MLB contracts are guaranteed up front, as are standard NBA contracts (ie, not a two way deal). NFL is the outlier.
 

Mongrel

Redshirt
Oct 31, 2021
29
41
13
What coach would agree to this?
Terry absolutely isn't in demand. He'll either be on our staff or Va Tech's.
My goodness, you're second sentence answers your own question. A coach who lacks demand elsewhere would find a contract of this structure attractive. If your alternatives are limited, which would you go for? Position coach at 750K or head coach with a 5 year 30 million contract with a guaranteed 10 million. Especially if you have a personal professional goal of someday being a head coach.
 

Mongrel

Redshirt
Oct 31, 2021
29
41
13
You're thinking NFL. MLB contracts are guaranteed up front, as are standard NBA contracts (ie, not a two way deal). NFL is the outlier.
Ok, you might be correct with regard to the NBA and MLB. My point is that there are no limitations with regard to a contract that Terry Smith could be offered. Unlike professional sports leagues that have player's unions, there is no NCAA coaches' union that I am aware.
 
Sep 10, 2013
16,528
11,917
113
Comments like this are hilarious to me. People act like you need to be some kind of genius to be a college football coach. You ever hear these guys talk? Most college football coaches are complete dopes. You need a guy who knows football (check) and a guy who is a leader (check). Hire Terry.
Bro, can he scheme open 3 stars? No? ridiculousness