New coach Matt Campbell set to retain Terry Smith at Penn State

Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith led the Nittany Lions through the final six games of the season after James Franklin was fired in October. Whoever came on board as Franklin’s successor would face a decision about whether or not to retain one of the team’s most popular figures.

On Friday, news came that Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell would be that guy. Shortly after the news broke, BWI confirmed that Campbell will keep Smith on his new staff in Happy Valley. The role for Smith, who was Penn State’s Associate Head Coach and cornerbacks coach will be defined when Campbell arrives in State College for good. 

Smith went 3-3 as interim head coach, including three straight wins to finish the season. Both current Penn State players and program donors backed Smith’s candidacy for the full-time job. 

“It taught me a lot,” Smith said of his time in charge. “Taught me that I know I can truly do this job. It taught me patience. It taught me the role of one of the biggest jobs in college football. And it taught me that I have a special bond with people and my players, and that when I go forward in coaching, I have to take advantage of that and really build on that.

“I’m a trust guy, and always tell my guys when I recruit them, I will give trust first so that you can trust me second. Trust is earned. That’s why they care for me. That’s why they love me. You know, chewing Zion Tracy out, and he’s staring down my throat because he knows I love him and I’m giving him proper correction. That’s what that bond is. I appreciate these guys. They work really hard. I can’t ask more of them. It’s been a good run for me.”

Smith had head coaching interest elsewhere

Smith was recently connected to head coach openings at Connecticut and Memphis. A former Penn State wide receiver and an ace recruiter for the Nittany Lions, Smith will get a chance to stick around his alma mater. Smith returned to Penn State as part of Franklin’s first staff in 2014. 

“I call this place home, I love this place,” Smith said in his opening statement at a press conference in October. “I love the blue and the white. I’m proud to be sitting in front of you. For our program, we need to stick together, stay focused, keep the standard, the standard. Nothing changes when it comes to the expectation, as Pat [Kraft] alluded to earlier. We need to get back to enjoying ball, being tough, gritty, and passionate.

Link: Three initial thoughts on Penn State picking Matt Campbell

“Our players and staff will respond with great energy this week, as I’m excited for the opportunities to lead everyone in the Lasch Building. The players, staff, and myself are going to continue to represent Penn State with pride; we will continue to do it the right way.”

Smith suited up for the Nittany Lions as a wide receiver from 1987-1991, 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.