Interim head coach Terry Smith's place at Penn State was uncertain once Matt Campbell was announced as the Nittany Lions' next head coach. That uncertainty didn't last long, though. Roughly one hour after the hiring announcement, it was revealed that Smith would stay on Campbell's staff moving forward.
One of the main things Smith did once James Franklin was fired was reunify the locker room. The player reactions, many rallying behind Smith to be the next head coach full-time, said enough. In his press conferences, Smith got emotional reflecting on his time and role at Penn State as a former player and current coach.
His dedication to the program is unwavering, and Campbell made sure he emphasized that in his introductory press conference on Monday.
"I got to meet coach Smith during my time when he was the head football coach at Gateway and I was recruiting at the University of Toledo. And Terry was always such an inspiring human to be around. I loved going to watch him interact with his players. We loved to go recruit his players because you knew you got a great player from Terry. You knew what they stood for and it was bigger than just football.
"It's been so awesome to watch his commitment to Penn State, to watch how he's led this football program and football team through tough and trying times. It's been rewarding. I know he's the cornerstone of this program as a player, as a student-athlete, and now as an incredible football coach. And it is my honor to work hand-in-hand with Terry to build on this great foundation moving forward."
What Smith's role looks like moving forward has yet to be seen. With all the love and support from players, though, he will play a critical role in retaining players with remaining eligibility. Campbell needs to put Smith in the perfect position that convinces players to come back to Penn State.
Cornerbacks A.J. Harris and Daryus Dixson, offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh, linebacker Tony Rojas, and edge rusher Chaz Coleman are just five top Nittany Lions Campbell has to keep on the roster.
Rojas was especially vocal about his support for Smith, posting on social media, "We stand with Terry or nobody else, that simple."
The question now is: Does keeping Smith in a key role on the staff keep players put or were they serious about riding with Smith and only Smith regardless of if he stays on the next coach's staff?