What did Penn State football's Terry Smith say about James Franklin being hired?
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Terry Smith started the football season coaching Penn State football alongside James Franklin. Fast forward to the week before Thanksgiving, and Smith watched the former Nittany Lion head coach be named the new leader of Virginia Tech’s football program.
Franklin was officially announced as the Hokies‘ new head coach on Nov. 17, and he had his introductory press conference in Blacksburg, Va. on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Smith had a chance to share his thoughts Wednesday night after practice concluded following practice.
“I’m really happy for him,” Smith said about Franklin’s hiring. “In this industry of coaching, we all go through highs and lows. At some point, if you’re coaching, you’re going to get fired at some point.
“I’m just happy for him and his family to bounce back so soon.”
While Smith didn’t have a chance to watch the introductory press conference, he did say that he talks to Franklin “every other day.” Smith has spoken positively of Franklin every since taking over the program.
Penn State AD Pat Kraft also showed his support for Franklin’s hiring, reposting the graphic from Virginia Tech football’s social media page.
Well deserved! Congratulations Coach Franklin!!! https://t.co/mIiUaIkhJt
— Patrick Kraft AD (@PatKraftPSU) November 18, 2025
“Well deserved! Congratulations Coach Franklin!!!” was Kraft’s message to the former Penn State head coach.
Franklin takes over a Hokie program that’s hovered around the middle of the ACC for the last several years, but far away from the national spotlight. Virginia Tech fans hope he can elevate them the same way Franklin elevated the Nittany Lions.
This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Penn State football’s Terry Smith comments on James Franklin’s hiring
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