'We’re going to get it back on track': Penn State interim coach Terry Smith ‘absolutely’ a candidate for full-time job

STATE COLLEGE — Pat Kraft has a clear list of things he wants in Penn State’s next coach.

After firing James Franklin on Sunday in the middle of his 12th year, Kraft made as much clear Monday afternoon, addressing the media for the first time since the major decision.

He wants someone capable of maximizing “elite-level resources” and who will fully embrace the new era of college football (transfer portal, NIL, etc.).

Kraft also made a bold statement:

“I believe a new leader can help us win a national championship.”

Kraft has turned to former associate head coach/cornerbacks coach Terry Smith to run Penn State’s program in the interim.

But is Smith a candidate for the full-time job?

“Absolutely,” Kraft said quickly and emphatically.

“Everybody’s under consideration, and I’m going to help Terry do everything he can to run the table. Yes, he will be considered a candidate.”

Smith later confirmed he’d be interested in the job if the opportunity arose.

“I’m thankful that Pat and the administration chose me. They could have chosen anyone in the building,” Smith said. “I love Penn State, and all I want to do is help Penn State be successful and win. I’m sitting in this press conference because we didn’t win enough. And whatever I can do to help this place win is what I’m willing to do.

“I would be remiss (not) to say, if the opportunity put itself out there for me to be the head coach permanently, absolutely, I would love that opportunity.”

Smith, 56, is a Penn State letterman and former captain who played for Joe Paterno from 1988-91. His father and children went to Penn State, and he joined Penn State’s staff when Franklin first arrived in 2014. Prior to that, the 1987 Gateway grad coached football and was the athletic director at his high school alma mater.

He’s been one of the most consistent faces of the Nittany Lions’ program over the last 11-plus years and an integral part of both the on-field product and recruiting efforts.

Smith gushed over Penn State multiple times Monday.

“I call this place home. I love this place. I love the blue and white,” he said. “I’m proud to be sitting in front of you.”

Smith said he learned of Franklin’s firing around 1:20 p.m. Sunday, just ahead of a scheduled team meeting at 1:45 p.m. Franklin had the chance to address the team in an “emotional” meeting, and Smith spoke to Franklin personally.

“It was a heartfelt conversation. I just wanted to express my gratitude and thankfulness for him and all that he’s done for me, my family and this program,” Smith said. “He took us out of a dark era and got us to be a relevant program again, and we don’t take that for granted.”

Smith was asked if he had any hesitation about taking the interim job, considering his relationship with Franklin, but did not express such feelings.

“James has always told me that, if something happened to him, he would recommend that I be the next person to lead, so he understood,” Smith said. “We have to press forward. We’re dealt a certain hand in life. Whatever that hand is, you have to play it. This is the hand that I’ve been dealt: to lead this program.

“When I woke up yesterday morning, I had no idea I was going to be the interim head coach of Penn State University. Today, I’m super proud to be that, and I will lead this program to the best of my ability. And we’re going to get it back on track.”