Well, we are working on a new name here with interim coach Terry Smith meeting the media for the first time on Monday afternoon. Smith spoke about his relationship with James Franklin, his ties to Penn State, and how this program can move forward with a 3-3 record in 2025. You can read the full transcript HERE or read below for the highlights.
Opening Statement
Smith spoke about his relationship with Franklin and how much he appreciated the work that they did together over the past decade plus. Smith said
the team needed to stick together and have more fun. Smith did mention how much he loved the university and all of his ties to the place.
The Timeline and the Locker Room
Smith shared that he found out of Franklin’s firing yesterday afternoon and that he did have a nice talk with his former boss. He added that the locker room was “shocked” and that it is now his responsibility to help move the program forward.
On Recruiting
Players have moved off of their commitments from Penn State in recent days, but Smith said the focus would be to continue to recruit and sell high school guys on what Penn State has been over the years.
Full-time guy?
Smith said he would love the opportunity to be the head coach at Penn State long term, but mostly he was focused on winning with this group right now. Smith added he wouldn’t be making any staff changes immediately aside from Jordan Lucas moving into Smith’s old spot as corners coach.
James and Moving Forward
Franklin was able to address the team on Sunday and it was emotional. Smith added that Franklin had always said that if anything happened to Franklin, he would suggest Smith get the spot. Smith again reiterated that he’s trying to help push the program forward.
Controlling the Line of Scrimmage
Smith said the immediate focus from a football perspective was to work with getting the offensive and defensive lines more in sync.
Bounces Not Going Their Way
Smith was asked about what has happened with the team the past three weeks with the Lions being a play away from beating Oregon to now. He looked back to last year and pointed out how a lot of bounces went Penn State’s way, but that they weren’t this year.
Giving Back
Smith gave an answer about the family ties that he has with Penn State, starting with his father graduating from Penn State. He’ll be the first Penn State grad to serve as head coach since Tom Bradley was the interim back in 2011.
On Grunk
Smith added again that Drew Allar is out for the season and Penn State will turn to a young quarterback on Saturday night in Iowa. Smith said that Grunk has been thrown in a role just like Smith has and that he’s excited to see him this weekend.
What’s success?
Asked what would be a successful finish to the season, Smith said it would be players all pulling in the same direction. He said that from here out, if a team beats Penn State, it’s because it is simply a better team – nothing else.
On Harris and Cousins
Smith flat out said that AJ Harris got benched after he was beaten for a first-half touchdown. Smith added that Cooper Cousins, who missed last week with an injury, would be reevaluated as the week progresses.
Lost Locker Room?
Smith was asked directly what caused Penn State to lose some of the grit, fun, etc. that he mentioned in his opening. Smith said there were a variety of factors, and he did mention NIL. He said it was his job now to rally the locker room.
You Signed up to Play Football
Asked about losing players to the portal, Smith said he has already started having conversations with players and reminding them that they signed up to play football at Penn State. He said his message will continue to be that the group has the chance to come together, shock the world, and have fun together.
The Standard
Smith closed with some remarks about how successful Penn State is and that the next coach, whoever it might be, is going to be a good one.
