UNIVERSITY PARK– Penn State AD Pat Kraft said that interim HC Terry Smith will “absolutely” be a candidate for the full-time head coaching job once it opens.
“Absolutely,” Kraft told reporters Monday. “We’ll do everything to help Terry run the table. But yes, he will be considered as a candidate.”
For Smith, it’s been a wild weekend.
On the one hand, he’s a former Penn State player who is now living a dream and running the show.
On the other hand, it happens at the expense of close friend James Franklin, who was fired Sunday afternoon.
But Kraft said that Smith’s presence will help with a lot of the fallout.
MORE FROM KRAFT
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now
Here’s more from what Kraft said on how he feels about Smith in general.
“We’re comfortable doing this now because of Terry,” Kraft said. “He’s an elite recruiter. Has relationships with those kids. We’ve talked about many things and that’s a part of it. (Penn State is) Such a big and historical program to weather the storm. We’ve weathered worse than this. Once Terry is settled in, he will talk to any recruit and continue to be very active in that process.”
WHAT SMITH SAID
Photo by Penn State Athletics
Here is Smith’s opening statement from today’s press conference.
“I appreciate the opportunity from Pat Kraft and the administration that they entrusted me to lead this program forward,” Smith said. “Penn State holds a dear place in my heart. I’m a third-generation Penn Stater. My dad sits up top. He’s a ’68 grad. I’m a ’91 grad. My son’s an ’07 grad. My daughter graduated here recently. I call this place home. I love this place. I love Blue and the White. I’m proud to be sitting in front of you. For our program, we need to stick together, stay focused, keep the standard the standard. Nothing changes when it comes to the expectation.”
“We need to get back to enjoying ball, being tough, gritty and passionate. Our players and staff will respond with great energy this week because I’m excited for the opportunity to lead everyone in the Lasch Building. Our players, staff and myself, we will continue to represent Penn State with pride and will continue to do it the right way.”
Smith’s head coaching debut will be Saturday night in Iowa City. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 on Peacock.
