Over 12 seasons at Penn State, James Franklin established himself as a cornerstone of the university’s football program, achieving a commendable record of 104 wins against 45 losses. Under his leadership, the Nittany Lions participated in five prestigious New Year’s Six bowl games, winning three, secured a Big Ten championship, and made a notable appearance in the semifinals of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff last season.
However, Franklin’s tenure was marred by a record of 1-18 against top-10 ranked Big Ten teams during crucial matchups. Following a disappointing stretch that saw the team drop to a 3-3 record after losses to UCLA and Northwestern, Franklin was dismissed on October 12, with a hefty reported buyout of nearly $50 million. This decision marks a significant change in the program’s leadership for the first time in over a decade.
In the wake of Franklin’s departure, Terry Smith has been named as the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025 season. A former standout wide receiver who played under legendary coach Joe Paterno in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Smith has been an integral part of the Penn State coaching staff, serving as the defensive recruiting coordinator and cornerbacks coach since joining in 2014. He was also appointed associate head coach in 2021.
Smith has developed a strong reputation within the program, mentoring a series of successful cornerbacks, including Joey Porter Jr. and Kalen King, contributing to the selection of seven Penn State cornerbacks in the NFL Draft since 2015—tying the program for the most in the nation among FBS schools. Additionally, he has been a key figure on the recruiting front, assisting in landing top-15 recruiting classes nationally for nine of the past eleven years. His efforts earned him recognition as the No. 4 recruiter in the Big Ten for 2023.
Taking over amid a challenging schedule, Smith faces tough opponents, beginning with a road game against a 4-2 Iowa team, followed by back-to-back matchups against No. 1 Ohio State and No. 3 Indiana. The team also faces Nebraska, where head coach Matt Rhule—an alumnus of Penn State—emerges as a potential candidate for a permanent head coaching position. Given the hurdles ahead, particularly with star quarterback Drew Allar sidelined for the remainder of the season, achieving bowl eligibility presents a significant challenge for the Nittany Lions.
In a news conference, Smith expressed his commitment to the team, stating, “It’s my job to press us forward. We have to get our grittiness back, our toughness, our swag, and most importantly, we have to go have fun, enjoy playing the game of football.” Athletic director Pat Kraft has indicated that Smith will have an opportunity to vie for the full-time head coaching role.
Throughout his coaching journey, Smith’s experience spans various levels, including a stint as the wide receivers coach at Temple and prior roles in high school football, where he led Gateway High School to an impressive 101-30 record as head coach. His extensive background positions him as a capable leader for the Nittany Lions during this transitional period, offering a sense of hope as the program navigates its future.