Arkansas names John L. Smith interim head coach
(Fayetteville, AR)- After nearly four decades in collegiate coaching, including head coaching positions at five previous institutions, John L. Smith is returning to the University of Arkansas to serve as the head football coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks it was announced by vice chancellor and director of athletics Jeff Long on Monday. Smith will be formally introduced at a press conference on the University of Arkansas campus on Tuesday at 2 p.m.
Smith enters his 40th year of coaching and his 19th as a head coach. Arkansas is Smith’s sixth head coaching position following stints at Idaho, Utah State, Louisville, Michigan State and most recently at his alma mater, Weber State. As a head coach, Smith has a 132-86 overall record and produced six conference champions (two Conference USA, two Big West and two Big Sky). Twelve of his 18 teams participated in postseason play. Smith is one of 19 head coaches in collegiate football history to take three different schools to a bowl game.
Smith served as the Razorbacks’ special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach for the 2009-11 seasons before departing last December for Weber State. He has previously worked with eight of the nine members of the Razorbacks’ assistant coaching staff.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome Coach John L. Smith back to the Razorback program as our new head football coach,” Long said. “Coach Smith brings a wealth of football knowledge, BCS conference head coaching experience, passion for the game and a close familiarity with the current team and coaching staff. I firmly believe that his selection is in the best interests of the young men in our program and will also best serve the mission of our football program and university in achieving success on and off the field in the upcoming season and in the long term.
“When Coach Smith first approached me about returning to Arkansas to serve in this position, he talked about his desire to be a part of the continued success of these student-athletes, this coaching staff and the Razorback program. He has been a part of the record-breaking success we have enjoyed in the past few seasons. Coach Smith understands the commitment our players have made to building upon that success and meeting the goals that have been set for the upcoming season. I also have a tremendous amount of confidence in our assistant coaches and believe that under Coach Smith’s leadership they will be able to continue to flourish in their current roles.”
Smith, 63, signed a 10-month letter of agreement with a compensation package of $850,000. Smith will also be eligible for performance and academic achievement incentives.
