Former Michigan State coach John L. Smith named interim coach at Arkansas
John L. Smith is back in major college coaching.
For now.
According to a report by The Associated Press, Arkansas hired the former Michigan State football coach Monday to serve as the Razorbacks' interim head coach.
Smith, who recently took a head coaching job at Weber State, has reportedly agreed to return to Arkansas on an interim basis to replace Bobby Petrino.
Petrino was fired earlier this month in the wake of news that he lied to Arkansas officials about an extensive inappropriate relationship with former Razorback staffer Jessica Dorrell.
Smith went 22-26 in four seasons at Michigan State. He was fired following the 2006 campaign and was replaced by current Spartan coach Mark Dantonio.
In four years in East Lansing, Smith was 0-4 against Michigan -- including a memorable 45-37 triple overtime Wolverine win in Ann Arbor in 2004.
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
MRunner73
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 1:27 p.m.
John L. Smith...does the "L" stand for "lucky"? It was thought that the "L" stood for Louisville, then at MSU, it stood for Lansing. Now at Arkansas, will he change his middle initial to "F" for Fayetteville or "A" for Arkansas? Remember; John L is now 0 and 0 at Arkansas and so is every other team. It should be a fun ride. Maize and Blue fans really miss him in Spartyville.
treetowncartel
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 2:26 a.m.
Looking forward to seeing Saban v Teddy Ruxpin. 3.5 months ago at the presser he said he had landed his dream job at Weber State. Fast forward to the 7:00 minute mark and enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ynm3ardFuU
Ron Granger
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 9:49 p.m.
The Spartans should bring John L. Smith back. That guy was entertaining. He definitely boosted their TV ratings.
SalineBob
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.
You're a bit behind Mr. TStar prognosticator. Dantonio has already outdone Smith fourfold...and counting.
Terry Star21
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
If you liked that show stay tuned, dantonio's future will outdo him threefold.....
Steve McQueen
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
Well that news just "smacks me upside my head" with surprise.