Penn State is a special place. If you’re searching for a proud group of hard-nosed, blue-collar individuals, look no further than State College, Pennsylvania.

Penn State football was built on such traits. In 1966, the university made a decision to hire a coach from within the team’s staff to replace the outgoing Rip Engle. That coach would go on to establish a culture of success with honor, leading the program to two national championships and 409 wins during his tenure. 

It’s now 2025, and Penn State football has reached another turning point. The athletic department is in the midst of conducting a nationwide head coaching search in an attempt to fill the vacancy created by the termination of James Franklin. And while the process is still ongoing, it has become increasingly clear that the answer is already on the Beaver Stadium sidelines.

Hailing from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, interim head coach Terry Smith embodies what it means to be a Penn Stater on every level. His father, a 1968 graduate, attended this university to provide a better life for his family. Nearly 20 years later, Smith committed to Penn State as a wide receiver, where he represented the program for his entire four-year college career. 

Smith learned the value of education and determination through these connections to Penn State and carries the same morals with him to this day.

Being a great man doesn’t automatically make you a great coach. But having a coach that can connect with his players through a shared appreciation for the blue and white should mean something. Penn State has always been about putting the team over oneself. Smith should be the man to continue this tradition, using his selflessness and quiet confidence to inspire the next generation of Nittany Lions.

But looking past the sentimental aspect of the potential hire, Smith is, in fact, a skilled football coach. In what could have devolved into a tumultuous season following Franklin’s firing, Smith has been able to bring out the best in his stars, modifying the game plan on both sides of the ball to maximize production.

He has been able to work with Andy Kotelnicki to implement a downfield passing game, something that had been a major problem for Penn State in recent memory. He has also utilized and unlocked both Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, significantly improving the run game. In just five games, Smith has completely revitalized the team and has his guys playing their best version of football.

In the locker room, Smith is a true motivator. Every single one of his players has raved about his ability to inspire, with his many metaphors and analogies fueling the group. Penn State has looked more motivated these past two weeks than they had all season, with players responding well to Smith’s tactics. He has also been blunt about his desire to be the next head coach, an ambition that the team has evidently backed and fought for.

For many, the primary concern of a Smith era would be his ability to attract recruits. It’s obvious that the current players love the man, but would high schoolers want to commit to playing for his program?

Smith was the defensive recruiting coordinator for the entirety of Franklin’s tenure. He has attracted wildly talented players from across the country. Penn State’s defense has been the staple of the program for the past 11 seasons, in large part due to Smith’s recruiting.

The other part that goes into the decision when making a hire is financial. And in this age of college football, money is, for better or worse, everything.

Penn State would likely be able to hire Smith at a relatively favorable price. This gives the athletic department room to hire elite coordinators if they so choose. While I do believe Jim Knowles will be retained, it is unlikely that Andy Kotelnicki will be on staff next season. Making a splash to get an offensive coordinator that can recruit and develop elite talent will be imperative if Smith were to get the head coaching nod. It would also help attract the star receivers that the Nittany Lions have lacked as of late.

Smith would attract donations from many generations of alumni. His connections to both Joe Paterno and Franklin would create monetary alignment for Penn State, something that has proven to be a major issue over the course of the past decade. 

The likely increase in contributions would allow Penn State to attack the portal and utilize a replenished NIL fund. He truly is the perfect candidate to bridge the fanbase in this regard. He holds a deep respect for the past and an unwavering focus on the future.

From our knowledge, the field of available coaches isn’t exceptionally deep. None of the candidates have proven and sustained success leading a big-time program like Penn State. And many of the names that have been mentioned strike me as individuals solely looking for a payday, rather than a forever home.

As Smith exited the field on Saturday after defeating Nebraska, it became clear to me who the next head football coach should be. 

From the game against the Hawkeyes to the one against the Cornhuskers, I have seen nothing but emotion and fight out of Smith and his group. He has the endorsement of his entire team, the letterman, the students, and fans around the world. 

Smith has the heart of a Nittany Lion. Sometimes, the answer is right in front of you. Hire Terry Smith as head football coach, and let’s get this program back to the high level it so deserves.