John L. Smith Replaces Bobby Petrino as Head Coach at Arkansas


ESPN has confirmed the news that the University of Arkansas has officially hired John L. Smith as its head football coach.

According to the report, Smith — who took over Weber State’s head coaching spot back in December only to quit this month — agreed to a deal that will pay him $850,000 over 10 months to lead the Razorbacks.

Prior to Weber State, 69-year-old Smith was Arkansas’ special teams coordinator/outside linebackers coach under Bobby Petrino from 2009-11.

Petrino was fired earlier this month after his scandalous relationship with Razorbacks’ staff member Jessica Dorrell was uncovered following a motorcycle accident involving the pair.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Coach John L. Smith back to the Razorback program as our new head football coach,” Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long said in a press release. “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.”

Before coaching at Arkansas, Smith had head coaching stints at Idaho, Utah State, Louisville and Michigan State. He has produced a 132-86 overall record to go with six conference champions (two Conference USA, two Big West and two Big Sky).

News of Smith’s hiring spread quickly over the web and some of his former Razorbacks players responded with their approval on Twitter.

“The happiest day of my life,” Arkansas running back Knile Davis tweeted. “Hearing that John L. Smith is coming back to (Fayetteville) to (be) our head coach.”

Petrino also weighed in on his former assistant’s new gig:

“I think Jeff Long made a great hire,” the former Razorbacks’ coach said in a statement, which was released through his agent, Russ Campbell. “While there were several outstanding internal candidates, John L. brings a lot of head coaching experience to the table that will help Arkansas transition. He will unify the staff, the team and the Razorback fan base. I wish Coach Smith, his staff and the Arkansas football team the very best.”

ESPN’s Rod Gilmore and Joe Schad discuss John L. Smith’s hiring at Arkansas to replace Bobby Petrino in the video below:

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