Bold reality check: Penn State is staring at Day 50 of the coaching search as December arrives, with Pat Kraft still seeking the program’s next head coach for the Nittany Lions. The AD dismissed James Franklin on October 12, and ever since, the hunt has continued. Interim head coach Terry Smith has steered the team to a 3-3 record since taking over roughly six weeks ago. He has publicly tossed his name into the ring for the full-time position, but insiders don’t expect him to land the job.
“It taught me a lot,” Smith remarked Saturday night after a win over Rutgers. “It taught me that I can truly do this job. It taught me patience. It taught me the gravity of one of the biggest jobs in college football. And it showed me I have a special bond with people and my players, and when I move forward in coaching, I must lean into that and build on it.”
“I’m a trust guy, and I always tell my players, when I recruit them, I’ll give trust first so you can trust me second. Trust is earned. That’s why they care for me. That’s why they respect me. You know, correcting Zion Tracy hard because he recognizes I’m challenging him out of care. That’s the bond. I’m grateful for these guys. They work incredibly hard. I can’t ask more of them. It’s been a good run.”
With Penn State likely to not have a new coach in place before National Signing Day for the Class of 2026, the window shifts to securing a hire as soon as possible ahead of the transfer portal opening on January 2.
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“That’s what you expect from QB1,” Smith said. “They have to lead the entire team. Because as that guy goes, so do we. If he doesn’t perform, you’ll see how championships are won in college and pro football: no team prevails without that guy, and everyone’s chasing that guy. Our future is bright. This quarterback is only getting better, gaining valuable experience, and growing up right before our eyes.”
PSU interim head coach Terry Smith on QB Ethan Grunkemeyer
