Player support, on-field momentum and a looming formal interview are pushing Terry Smith closer to Penn State’s full-time job.

Penn State’s roller coaster 2025 regular season has reached its conclusion, with the Nittany Lions winning three straight games to earn a bowl game. But now comes uncertainty. Penn State needs a new head coach.

The Penn State Nittany Lions are set to interview a surprising candidate with strong support for their permanent head coach.

As interim coach Terry Smith did his on-field interview, several players clustered behind him holding signs that read, "Hire Terry Smith." Moments earlier, Smith walked to midfield to shake hands with Matt Rhule -- the coach who gave him his first FBS opportunity at Temple more than a decade ago.

As much as the media that covers Penn State likes Terry Smith (and, why not, many of them have been covering him in some form for more than three decades), the contingent has also been fair and honest about his chances to become the program’s head coach.

Smith said he remains in contact with Franklin, who was hired last week as Virginia Tech’s head coach. Smith was one of Franklin’s first hires at Penn State and the longest-tenured member of his staff, coaching the cornerbacks and being promoted to associate head coach.

Penn State players held "Hire Terry Smith" signs in support of interim coach after the Nittany Lions' 37-10 win over Nebraska.

Interim head coach Terry Smith struggled through his weekly Penn State football press conference Monday, overcome with emotions about his team.

Nittany Lions players, fans and lettermen want Penn State to hire Smith as the permament coach. After a big win over Nebraska, Smith made his own case.

The Penn State football interim head coach explained why he would make the next, best permanent program leader.