When Terry Smith stepped in as Penn State football’s interim head coach, he said his first priority was getting everyone “pulling the rope in the same direction.”
Through four games, he’s done exactly that.
With the program settling and momentum beginning to build, some voices, including a notable former Penn State player, believe Smith should become the program’s next permanent head coach.
One of the strongest endorsements came from O.J. McDuffie, who lined up alongside Smith at wide receiver from 1988–91.
The All-American made it clear he believes his onetime teammate is the right choice.
What McDuffie Said
McDuffie took to his X account to publicly back Smith.
“I just want everybody to know that my man Terry Smith, the interim head coach, should 1000% be the next Penn State head coach,” McDuffie said. “Nobody exemplifies what we are better than Terry Smith. I know him as a person, of course. We played opposite each other at Penn State. I know him as a man as well.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“No matter what, Terry Smith is going to be what it means to be a Penn Stater through and through. He showed it on the field. He shows it off the field. He’s been part of the program for over a decade now—but he’s always been part of Penn State.”
McDuffie went on to describe Smith as a father figure to countless recruits, noting the personal impact he’s had on players and the program.
These things, he argued, an external hire may not be able to replicate.
“We want somebody else to come in here that doesn’t give a damn about Penn State? Come on now,” he said. “This man’s been part of the major four- and five-star guys we brought in here—guys who helped rebuild the program after what it went through—and he’ll continue to do the same thing.
“Terry Smith’s a great leader, a leader of men. He holds people accountable. And I’m gonna tell you this: nobody breathes, sleeps, or bleeds Penn State more than Terry Smith. T Smalls has gotta be our next head man. That’s all I have to say.”
Smith looks for his second career college win Saturday when Penn State hosts Nebraska for Senior Day at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 on NBC.
