Despite strong pushes from players, fans and alumni, Terry Smith has never been the leading candidate to replace James Franklin as Penn State’s next head coach.

But the interim head coach is gaining “significant interest” elsewhere, according to a report.

Independent NFL reporter Jordan Schultz posted on X that Smith has interest from UConn and Memphis for their openings.

UConn went 9-3 this season and is looking to replace Jim Mora, who took the open job at Colorado State. Memphis, meanwhile, is replacing now-Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield after an 8-4 year.

Penn State fired Franklin on Oct. 12 and promoted Smith to the interim role. Smith brought Penn State out of a six-game losing streak and finished the 2025 year with three straight victories over Michigan State, Nebraska and

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