Would interim head coach Terry Smith have interest in an off-field role at Penn State in 2026?

James Franklin always labeled longtime assistant Terry Smith as the “truth teller” around the Lasch Football Building.

Now that Smith has replaced Franklin as Penn State’s interim head coach, he’s had to have even more of those hard-truth conversations, including about his own future.

Athletic director Pat Kraft quickly said Smith would “absolutely” be a candidate for the full-time head coaching position, and Smith reciprocated his interest . He later indicated he’d also be interested in a position on the coaching staff to remain as an assistant .

This week, he was asked again about his job status, including whether he’d be interested in an off-field role such as a general manager. While coy at first, he continued to leave the door open for a return in 2026.

“When the guys come up