Terry Smith on his Joe Paterno pin, Penn State players carrying 'Hire Terry' signs, and lettermen's push to hire him

STATE COLLEGE — Terry Smith started his final game at Beaver Stadium as the Penn State interim head coach by donning a pin that honored his former head coach and the late Joe Paterno. He ended it by watching his players race around the Beaver Stadium turf with signs that said ‘Hire Terry Smith’ to be the next permanent head coach in State College after the Nittany Lions beat Nebraska 37-10 on Saturday night. His players have been repeatedly asked whether they think Smith should be the full-time replacement for James Franklin. They, of course, think that he should be, as we saw again this evening.

After the win, his second at Penn State in as many weeks, Smith reflected on what that support means to him.

“I’m very motivated by the support,” Smith said. “My players love me unconditionally. I love them unconditionally. Their support means everything to me. The fans were unbelievable again tonight. This is back-to-back Beaver Stadium turnouts from our fans, just incredible support. You know, we all like support. It encourages us. Motivates us. It gives us energy, and it gave our guys energy tonight.

“I’m a leader of men. You guys are witnessing it. You see it every day.”

It remains unlikely that Smith will get the job in the end. Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft seems set to hire someone outside of the program. But, until hope of him doing so is extinguished, those around and close to Smith won’t stop pushing his candidacy as the Lions turn the page to a trip to Rutgers to end the regular season. There, they hope to coach bowl eligibility.

Why did Terry Smith pick today to honor former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno?

Smith is not one to hide his feelings. And, he clearly feels deep respect, and in his words, humbled, to sit in the same seat his former Penn State coach once sat in. Why did Smith feel compelled to honor him publicly during the final game of the year at Beaver Stadium?

“So the 409, you know, I’ve always acknowledged Joe Paterno,” Smith said. “I wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t coached me and taught me. So I’m acknowledging him. We had a lot of letterman here tonight. It was just an acknowledgement that I’m proud I’ve been taught by one of the greatest to ever do.”

On lettermen wanting him to be the next head coach

Smith also talked about Michael Robinson saying on NBC that hundreds of lettermen want him to get the full-time Penn State job.

“I had the amazing opportunity today to walk in with my granddaughter and experience people chanting her grandfather’s name. How would you feel? It’s amazing. She experienced something that very few people get an opportunity to experience. You know, I have tremendous support from the letterman and alumni.

“I’m going to get this team ready to go beat Rutgers next week. My resume is on display every day that you guys watch us on Saturday. Tell me what you think.”