Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith has galvanized the Nittany Lions, and led a two-game winning streak. (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)
Penn State Football interim head coach Terry Smith had a strong eight-word message when asked his thoughts about possibly having the ‘interim’ tag removed in the weeks ahead.
“If I don’t speak for myself, who will?” Terry Smith told reporters during his weekly press conference on Monday, as Penn State’s coaching search continues.
The Groundswell: Players, Alumni, and Penn State Fans Rally Behind Terry Smith
Over the last 48 hours, Terry Smith has gained a lot of traction to take over as the permanent Penn State Football Head Coach.
When Smith first took the Penn State job, he was appreciative of the opportunity, but hesitant to fully endorse himself. Now, that has changed. Smith, and several others have fully launched the campaign for Smith to stay as the Penn State Head Coach.
The 409/“Joe” Pin and Its Deeper Message
One of the first signs was the pin that Terry Smith donned as he coached on senior night at Beaver Stadium.
It crossed 409 with the word Joe. Symbolic of Joe Paterno’s legendary 409 wins as a head coach.
But, the reason Smith chose to wear that likely goes beyond just his gratitude for his former coach. It’s a pull at the hearts of several powerful Penn State brass, and even some fans.
Michael Robinson’s National TV Push on NBC
Furthermore, another big push was made by former Penn Stater Michael Robinson. This came during halftime on NBC’s broadcast of the Penn State Nebraska game. Robinson said “Athletic director Pat Kraft, he made a decision to let James Franklin go,” Robinson said on national TV. “But I’m not sure he had a plan for what comes next.”
This group seems to be having fun, and they all said they want Terry Smith to be their head coach,” He continued. “Every single player I talked to, every guy I talked to that said they’re thinking about leaving, they said, ‘I’m staying if Terry Smith gets this job.’ I talked to hundreds of alumni since we’ve been here, and every single one of them thinks Terry Smith should be the head coach, and I think Terry Smith should be the head coach.”
That wasn’t a spontaneous rally cry from Robinson.
That was a targeted push to gain traction for Terry Smith to be the next Head Football coach at Penn State.
What Comes Next in Penn State’s Coaching Search
What Terry Smith Is Really Selling to Penn State
This campaigning, almost politicking if you will, may sound bad, but it’s not. It’s what anyone who loves Penn State and wants to continue coaching there would do.
Terry Smith already faces and uphill battle with AD Pat Kraft conducting a “national search”.
Last week, Smith acknowledged that he has yet to get a formal interview for the job. After Saturday night, Pat Kraft faces a tough decision.
Is the best fit for Penn State already there in Terry Smith? Or can Kraft actually find someone better for the job from outside?
Those questions will likely be answered in the coming weeks, but one thing is for certain. Terry Smith is doing a great job of selling himself to be the next head coach at Penn State.
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Is the Right Hire Already Inside the Building?
After the game Saturday night, Penn State players like Anthony Donkoh and Audavion Collins held up signs saying “Hire Terry Smith”. The players clearly endorse him.
The crowd chanted “Terry” as he walked off the field. These were the moments that the Terry Smith for Head Coach campaign really took off.
As the dust settles on a wild night in Beaver Stadium, Terry Smith was asked why he should be the next Head Coach at Penn State on Monday.
“No one knows Penn State better than me.” Smith told reporters on Monday. “I think of all the candidates that are out there. I know the history of Penn State. I know the culture, the DNA. I know the locker room. I know administration. I think I’m a good leader, I think I’m a leader of men.”
Whether it works out or not, Terry Smith has made a strong impression to be the next head coach.
Penn State Coaching Search Hot Board Narrows: Who’s Still in the Running After Major Extensions?
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Ian Purdy covers Penn State Football Recruiting for NittanyCentral.
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
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