Penn State coaching search hits 50 day mark as December kicks off

Penn State football kicks off December by entering day 50 of Pat Kraft’s search for the Nittany Lions’ next head football coach. The athletic director fired James Franklin back on Oct. 12. Since, he has been looking for a replacement. Interim head coach Terry Smith led the team to a 3-3 record since taking over six weeks ago. He has thrown his hat into the ring for the full-time job but is not expected to get it.

“It taught me a lot,” Smith said Saturday night after beating Rutgers when asked about what being the interim has meant. “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.”

With Penn State unlikely to have its next coach by the time Class of 2026 recruits can start making things official on National Signing Day Wednesday, the timeline to have someone in place now turns to as soon as possible before the transfer portal opens on Jan. 2.

Headlines of the day

How did Penn State’s players perform vs. Rutgers? PFF Snap Counts & Grades: Snyder, BWI

Where is Penn State in the final ESPN FPI rankings update of the regular season?: Pickel, BWI

Ethan Grunkemeyer thrives, focus turns to Pat Kraft’s search, and more of what they’re saying about Penn State: Pickel, BWI

Penn State report card: Grading the Lions’ 40-36 win over Rutgers: Pickel, BWI

Penn State veterans not ready to make bowl game participation decision after punching postseason ticket: Pickel, BWI

Kaytron Allen is Penn State’s all-time rush leader. Where does Nick Singleton rank?: Flounders, PennLive

Quote of the day

“That’s what you expect from QB1,” Smith said. “They have to leave the whole team. Because as that guy goes, we go. If he doesn’t go, look at college football, look at pro football: No team wins a championship without that guy, and everyone’s in search of that guy. And our future is bright. This guy’s only getting better, valuable experience, and he’s growing up every single day right in front us.”

PSU interim head coach Terry Smith on QB Ethan Grunkemeyer