Report: Penn State to make Terry Smith highest-paid non-coordinator to stay on Matt Campbell's staff

Penn State is set to make Terry Smith the highest-paid non-coordinator to stay on Matt Campbell’s coaching staff, insider Jordan Schultz reported. On3’s Pete Nakos previously reported Smith was signing a four-year deal to stay in Happy Valley.

Retaining Smith was a key move for Campbell as he takes over for James Franklin. The former Iowa State coach is expected to be formally introduced on Monday.

Smith served as Penn State’s associate head coach the last three seasons under Franklin before becoming the interim head coach. He had a 3-3 record to close out the 2025 campaign following the coaching change.

Smith has been on Penn State’s coaching staff since 2014 and had strong support from players to get the full-time position. He led the Nittany Lions to three straight wins to end the regular season, and according to Schultz, received interest from Memphis and UConn for their respective head coach openings.

Smith has served as Penn State’s cornerbacks coach since his arrival, and later served as assistant head coach from 2016-20 and took over as associate head coach in 2021. After Penn State announced Franklin’s firing midseason, Smith became the interim head coach and had a 3-3 record in the role.

During Penn State’s victory over Rutgers, multiple players held up signs that read, “Hire Terry Smith,” which showed the amount of support the veteran coach had built within the program. Former Penn State star Michael Robinson also advocated for him to get the job. Smith addressed that after the game, acknowledging how much it meant.

“It means everything,” Smith said. “Obviously, the support that the lettermen are giving me, especially Michael Robinson doing that, obviously it means we’re doing something right.

“Just trying to create a culture for our team to play hard, play tough, and for our fans to get behind us and support us and stay in our corner. They’ve done that, and hopefully our fans show up this week at Rutgers. That’s sometimes tough because of the holiday weekend, but come on out and support us.”

As for why he thought he could rise to the task of being the permanent head coach, Smith pointed to his history with the Penn State program. He played for the Nittany Lions from 1987-91, meaning he’s PSU through and through.

“No one knows Penn State better than me,” Smith said. “Of all the candidates that are out there, I know the history of Penn State. I know the culture, the DNA. I know the locker room. I know administration. I think I’m a good leader, I think I’m a leader of men.”