Report: Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith receiving significant interest in Memphis, UConn openings

According to Jordan Schultz, Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith is receiving “significant interest” from a couple of other programs. The Memphis Tigers and UConn Huskies are looking into Smith as their next head coach. Smith is also considered a candidate to remain in Happy Valley, getting the interim tag taken off by athletic director Pat Kraft.

“Sources: Penn State interim HC Terry Smith has received significant interest for the UConn and Memphis head coaching jobs,” Schultz said via X. “Smith received a glowing endorsement from former Penn State star Micah Parsons today.”

Of course, Parsons, a Penn State alumnus, was campaigning for his school to retain Smith. He told reporters, “If we have any common sense, if they ever want me to come back, they better put Terry there. I’ma be honest with you.”

Both Memphis and UConn lost their own head coaches this cycle. Ryan Silverfield made the jump up to the SEC, taking over in Fayetteville with the Arkansas Razorbacks. UConn possibly found itself confused with the move Jim Mora made, leaving in favor of the Colorado State job.

Schultz’s reporting indicates they are interested in what Smith might bring. He currently has Penn State on a three-game winning streak to close out the 2025 season. Bowl eligibility was reached, meaning Smith likely has at least one more game coaching the Nittany Lions.

More on Terry Smith, recent coaching success

Smith is a Penn State lifer, beginning with his playing days. He suited up for the Nittany Lions as a wide receiver from 1887-1991, catching 108 passes for 1,825 yards and 15 touchdowns. Most of the production for Smith came during the 1991 season, one where Penn State finished 11-2 and finished No. 3 in the AP poll due to a Fiesta Bowl win over Tennessee.

After getting his coaching career started elsewhere, James Franklin then came calling in 2014, his first year in State College, to be the cornerbacks coach. Smith held the position all the way through the 2025 season, adding the title of associate head coach.

Now the interim head coach, it’s a role Smith took quite seriously. At one point, he even made a pitch to Kraft as to why he should get the full-time spot.

“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.”