Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith lifts the trophy after defeating Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl NCAA college football game at Yankee Stadium Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

NEW YORK — Terry Smith is ready to, as he said, “pass the torch.”

He will always savor his seven games as Penn State’s interim coach, and now he’ll go back to being associate head coach, this time to Matt Campbell.

“Me personally, it’s very rewarding that I know and understand that I can handle this seat,” Smith said after the Nittany Lions’ 22-10 win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl. “It was a great ride.”

Smith finished 4-3 after James Franklin’s firing, and the Lions closed with a four-game win streak.

“I’m ready for the next chapter,” he said. “I’m ready to pass the torch on to Coach (Matt) Campbell. He’s an amazing individual and leader and Penn State is in great hands, and I’m ready to help him achieve greatness.”