University Park— Penn State interim coach Terry Smith hasn’t been shy about expressing his gratitude for Joe Paterno.
During Smith’s introductory press conference upon being promoted to interim coach, he mentioned playing for Paterno at Penn State.
After Smith’s first home game in the new role against Indiana, he told reporters he thought about Paterno and how he’s now in the same head coach’s chair.
During Saturday night’s game against Nebraska at Beaver Stadium, cameras picked up Smith wearing a “409” pin to honor the coach and his record-setting wins total.
After Penn State beat Nebraska, Smith was asked about the pin.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.SMITH ON PATERNO
“I’ve always acknowledged Joe Paterno,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t coached me and taught me. So I’m acknowledging him. We had a lot of lettermen here tonight, in valuable positions. Michael Robinson is on the NBC crew. There are other lettermen all over. It showed today. It was just an acknowledgement that I’m proud I’ve been taught by one of the greatest that ever did it.”
SMITH STATES HIS CASE
Soon after discussing wearing the pin, Smith stated his case to be promoted to full-time
“I was always ready to be a head coach. I was a head coach for 12 years in high school. It’s a different level, but leading men is leading men. Coaching is coaching. It’s no different than when I worked for Matt Rhule as a receivers coach. I came here for James Franklin; I went to DB coach. Coaching is coaching. I went from taking DBs, a DB history here at Penn State that we didn’t put DBs in the NFL to now, we’re one of the top in the country. Coaching is coaching. I’ve always been a head coach, so I’m very confident in what I do. God has blessed me. My mom has anointed me. My wife keeps a covering over me. I have gifts that I don’t even realize I have. I’m a leader of men. You guys see it. You’re witnessing it every day.”
