Why Penn State keeping longtime coach Terry Smith was ‘critically important’

Within hours of news becoming public that Matt Campbell would become the next Penn State head coach, the athletic department announced that interim coach Terry Smith would be staying with the program — a “critically important” move, Campbell said.

In Campbell’s introductory news conference Monday with the Nittany Lions, the new head coach didn’t downplay Smith’s importance. In his opening remarks, he publicly thanked the longtime assistant football coach and PSU alum, even if Smith’s specific staff position has not yet been announced.

“It’s been so awesome to watch his commitment to Penn State, to watch how he’s led this football program and football team through tough and trying times. It’s been rewarding,” Campbell said inside Beaver Stadium’s media room. “I know he’s the cornerstone of this program as a player, as a student-athlete and now as an incredible football coach. And it is my honor to work hand in hand with Terry to build on this great foundation moving forward.”

Smith has long been beloved by Penn State fans and players. He played at wide receiver under Joe Paterno from 1987 to 1991, served as a high school coach in western Pennsylvania for more than a decade and watched his 5-star stepson (Justin King) play at PSU. He’s also been the cornerbacks coach since 2014.

“Terry is Penn State,” athletic director Pat Kraft offered Monday.

Smith’s ties made him a candidate for Penn State’s head position, something he and players alike publicly pitched. After the dominant home win vs. Nebraska, some players took signs offered by a fan and posed in front of cameras with them reading, “Hire Terry Smith.”

It was unknown what Smith might do if he wasn’t selected as head coach, and fans and analysts alike wondered just how much his departure might influence Penn State’s transfer portal. But, around 9:30 p.m. Friday, Kraft had already posted a public message on his department’s website to let them know Smith was staying put.

Campbell wanted Smith to remain from the very start.

“I would just say it was critically important for me to keep Terry,” Campbell said. “In my opinion, Terry and I have a great relationship from his days at (western Pa. high school) Gateway. I know what he’s about and what he stands for. Building a staff is so critical because you need to build it around the same character values as who you are and what you want your team to stand for.

“And as soon as we got into discussions about this job, one of the first questions that I asked is, ‘Boy, I would really like to keep Terry. What do you think?’ And it was a resounding yes. So the fact that Terry wants to stay and wants to be a part of this? I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Smith will remain in his role as interim head coach while the Nittany Lions prepare for the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson on Dec. 27. Campbell wasn’t sure what role he wanted to take in the meantime, but he just wanted to get to work and “not be a hindrance.”

Kraft and university President Neeli Bendapudi both complimented Smith during Monday’s opening remarks. Kraft said it was a “no-brainer” to retain Smith, while Bendapudi went out of her way to thank the interim coach.

“Importantly, a very special thank you to coach Terry Smith,” she said. “Thank you for stepping up and showing what true dedication to Penn State and to our student-athletes looks like. I am truly proud of have you as a Penn Stater.”

Campbell acknowledged he didn’t speak to Smith much since he became an assistant coach in Happy Valley. But, when Smith coached Gateway High School in Monroeville, Campbell was the head coach for FBS Toledo, about a four-hour drive away.

Smith left an impression.

“Terry was always such an inspiring human to be around,” Campbell recalled. “I loved going to watch him interact with his players. We loved to go recruit his players because you knew if you got a great player from Terry, you knew what they stood for, and it was bigger than just football.”

Smith has spoken before, with tears in his eyes, about how much his alma mater means to him. And, during his Nov. 24 press conference, he acknowledged he wanted to be head coach — but it wasn’t that position or bust.

“Yeah, I’ll reiterate I love Penn State,” Smith said. “I would be open to any possibilities of staying here.”

Smith is next scheduled to address the media Tuesday morning for a virtual press conference alongside Clemson’s Dabo Swinney for the Pinstripe Bowl.

Josh Moyer

Centre Daily Times

Josh Moyer earned his B.A. in journalism from Penn State and his M.S. from Columbia. He’s been involved in sports and news writing for more than 20 years. He counts the best athlete he’s ever seen as Tecmo Super Bowl’s Bo Jackson.