UPDATED 3:29 p.m. ET: As it turns out, Arkansas may indeed be going the interim route, and with a very familiar face for good measure.
Following up on reports that really began gaining momentum earlier this afternoon, the Associated Press is reporting that current Weber State head coach and former UA assistant John L. Smith has been hired as the Razorbacks interim coach. Ironically, the man who Smith would be replacement, Bobby Petrino, was the replacement for Smith at Louisville early last decade.
Smith was just hired by Weber State in early December, so there will certainly be some negative press coming UA’s way.
The school has yet to confirm Smith’s hiring.
In addition to his stint with the Cardinals ((1998-2002), Smith has also been the head coach at Michigan State (2003-06). From 2009-11, Smith served as Petrino’s special teams coordinator at UA.
_________________________
In the days and now weeks since Bobby Petrino‘s firing, the general consensus has been that Arkansas would — or should, to be more accurate — name an interim head coach for the 2012 season while at the same time searching for a permanent replacement.
Based on one report, however, the Razorbacks may go outside of the program, and do so much, much earlier than most had expected.
According to a tweet from Bo Mattingly of ESPN radio in Northwest Arkansas, a “new coach [is expected] to be announced this afternoon.” Not only that, but Mattingly writes the new coach “[w]ill not be anybody on current staff”, adding he’s “not expecting the word interim in [the] announcement.”
Just who that new coach from outside the program is unclear.
One of the rumors hurtling its way across the vast expanses of the Internet this morning was that Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster (pictured) would be athletic director Jeff Long‘s selection as Petrino’s successor. That speculation was further advanced when Tech sent out a press release announcing a press conference had been scheduled for four this afternoon local time. As it turns out, that press conference will be held to announce the Hokies have parted ways with its men’s basketball coach.
Besides that, Foster reportedly hasn’t even spoken to UA, or vice versa.
“All the rumor mongers talking about Bud Foster leaving for Arkansas can stop,” Mark Giannotto of the Washington Post wrote in a tweet. “He just told me Razorbacks haven’t even contacted him.”
Another rumored name is San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
It should be noted that UA has yet to announce a press conference for this afternoon, or any other day for that matter. Attempts at a comment from the school on Mattingly’s report have thus far proved futile.
UPDATED 2:48 p.m. ET: It appears Mattingly’s report is gaining some traction.
According to KFSM/KXNW-TV in Fayetteville, “[t]he Razorback Foundation has approved a new contract for a new head football coach at the University of Arkansas.” As with the initial report, there’s no name attached to what is appeared to be a head coaching vacancy that’s filled.
(Photo credit: Arkansas athletic department)
Mattingly writes the new coach “[w]ill not be anybody on current staff”
Code for “Jim Tressel”.
bozosforall: You really think so?
Wish the Razorbacks well in finding a good coach, one with morals and ethics this time, not just a good coach. They certainly do not need another scandal a few years from now. There are some good coaches with character and coaching and leadership skills which are out there, so I am sure they will find a good one…but not too good, we still want to win the ugliest trophy in college football–The Boot!
JOHN L. SMITH!! WTF
papabush88 says:
Apr 23, 2012 3:04 PM
bozosforall: You really think so?
___
It’s not like what Tressel did at OSU would bother the unethical Arkansas fan base.
Come to think of it, it wouldn’t bother the USC fan base either if Kiffen were fired and the USC brain trust brought in Tressel as his replacement.
Smith is leaving Weber State, his ALMA MATER, without ever coaching a game there. What a scumbag…fits right in with the Razorback Way.
http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2012/4/23/2969465/john-l-smith-arkansas-football-coach-next-new
bozosforall: Wow. Still negative, I see. I guess you don’t believe in people changing. The big difference between Mike Garrett’s hiring of Pete Carroll/Kiffin, and Jeff Long’s hiring of Petrino was that Long knew of Petrino’s shady past. Carroll was clean and Kiffin just had a big mouth in his year at Tennessee. So far, Kiffin has changed. He’s very quiet. I believe in people changing. Petrino has not yet done that. Even though, Haden, USC’s new AD, didn’t hire Kiffin he can’t be shocked if Kiffin starts to open up his big mouth again.
It’s kind of like Charlie Sheen and his new show Anger Management as well as Two and a Half Men. The producers of this new show pretend to be shocked if Charlie gets in trouble for his off-the-set antics. You get what you pay for.
I [w]ill have a comment later.
Great hire! I was wondering where John L. Smith was. He’s a good choice and a fine hire.
@thegamecocker:
I don’t think it’s a bad hire either. Seems he will just be the interim. I think Arkansas should have him for one year and use time to try and snag someone really good. Gruden-like caliber, cuz I don’t think Gruden would leave for a school like Ark.
@bozosforall …
I like to pick on “Little Lanie Kiffin” as much as the next SEC fan. But the guy has a good offensive mind and did well with USC last season. He’s a young up-and-comer. If I were a Trojan fan, think I’d be pissed if they dumped him for Tressel.
Agree, Deb. I wasn’t too thrilled when Garrett hired Lane at first. Then again, I wasn’t thrilled about Garrett hiring Pete Carroll. However, Carroll turned out to be one of the best. And the Kiffin hire is looking pretty good by now. He may not be a Saban or a Carroll, but Kiffin is a master at recruiting. And I think his specialty is much needed for next few years with scholarship reduction. I wonder if Garrett was primarily looking at that issue. The bowl ban was a pain in the ass, but the scholarship reductions is where USC can be hurt, and looks like Lane is overcoming that. His 2011 class was stellar as was his 2012 class. And his 2013 class is looking great with Max Browne, Kenny Bigelow and Kylie Fitts.
I’m more of a fan of coaches that just shup and coach. Guys like Les Miles and Kiffin (his year at Tennessee) bother me. At least, Miles wins a lot of games. Kiffin has been pretty quiet since coming to USC. He lets his coaching speak for itself, now and I hope for the long haul. Couple jabs like Spurrier’s occasional are fine, but I prefer coaches that say positive things and not negative things.
@papabush88
What’s wrong with Arkansas? Why wouldn’t a guy like John Gruden be a HC there. Last I checked, Ark $$$ was green like everyone else. The Walton’s don’t seem to have a problem with Ark. Our former President who is a GREAT ORATOR without props is from there. I think any coach would consider the U. of Arkansas. The Clinton’s are not dum-dum’s ya know. Fan base is one of the finest. Unfortunately many people of wealth feel they can do no wrong….but we all know different.
@thegamecocker
No disrespect to Arkansas. They’re a great program. I just see Gruden picking a school like Notre Dame…and they’re weak right now. Who knows. I could just be jealous cuz I’m a big Gruden fan and would love for him to reunite with Monte at USC
@papabush88 …
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Kiffin. Recruiting is everything in college football and he’s done a good job despite having to overcome the sanctions. And as you say, he’s really changed his approach since going to SC. Maybe Pat Haden had a long talk with him. But he’s doing the job and doing it well. Saban has 20 years on him. Based on what he did last year, Kiffin could end up being a great college coach in time if he stays on course.
@both you guys …
Gruden’s not going to leave the MNF booth for an NCAA job, but Arkansas wouldn’t want him anyway. His name is kicked around with every opening, college and pro, but that doesn’t mean he’s a great fit for the job. Like I said, recruiting is everything, and Gruden doesn’t have much NCAA experience to prepare him for the rigors of recruiting in the SEC. Just look how the boys in the Big 10 howled when Meyer started playing hardball recruiting with them.
Gruden’s a good offensive coach, but Dungy built that Tampa defense. And after he was fired, Gruden’s players had a lot to say about how he talked out both sides of his mouth with them.
Arkansas needs a strong college coach, not a marquee name.
To all those that keeps bringing Tressel’s name up don’t remember the penalties that comes with hiring him. Do you really want him with all that baggage, BS as it may be?
@ Deb
I agree with you…for the most part. Recruiting is everything in college, except for FSU’s and Texas’ last few seasons being arguments against that. However, Carroll also did not have much college experience and he not only recruited well, but won. What Carroll did have going for him was that 1. He was HC at USC…a national powerhouse. 2. He has a great attitude and intriguing philosophy that I think Gruden has as well. I think players WANT to play their best for guys like Gruden.
Recruiting is maybe the most imporant factor, but it is not EVERYTHING. Carroll was able to recruit very well even after his first season which was a meager 6-6 (6-7 including bowl loss to Utah). I think recruits wanted to play for Carroll because of his attitude and because he had experience in the NFL…and also that he was HC of a program like USC. Again, it’s just my opinion. I just really would love to see Gruden coaching something. CFB would be cool with him. I’d be jealous if he went to a rival of mine
@papabush88 …
Yes, I agree the prestige of the school helps. But at the risk of more thumbs down
as a football powerhouse, USC has considerably more prestige than Arkansas. And despite everything, Carroll is more likeable a personality than Chucky. Pete did amazing work with underprivileged kids while he was at SC. Unfortunately, that story gets lost in the corruption scandal.
Will admit once being one of those women who just enjoyed watching Gruden and his blue eyes on the sidelines. But now that he’s been in the MNF booth for a while, he just gives me a pounding headache. His saving grace, though, is that the memory of Tony Kornheiser will always make him look good by comparison.
@ Deb
Well, he may not be the best MNF commentator, but maybe it’s best he stays off the sidelines because I enjoy his QB Camp. Probably wouldn’t continue to do those as a coach.
“Don’t ever throw the Venus on a Spider 3 Y Banana!!!”
L stands for losses, in case you didn’t know.
papabush88: Wow. Still a hypocrite, I see. I guess you don’t believe in people dishing out to your team what they see you dishing oht to other teams. Yeah, I’ve read more than a few posts of you bashing other teams and fans. It’s time you practice what you preach…or STHU.
I don’t know what the heck Deb’s talking about. GRUDEN would be a great fit @ UA. (or any school with which he became associated) BUT……..Gruden and no other BIG TIME coach is going to UA and STAY there. Just too hickey for BIG TIME coaches. Gruden is more of a NY, NY style guy.
Deb says:
Apr 23, 2012 5:14 PM
@papabush88 …
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Kiffin. Recruiting is everything in college football and he’s done a good job despite having to overcome the sanctions. And as you say, he’s really changed his approach since going to SC. Maybe Pat Haden had a long talk with him. But he’s doing the job and doing it well. Saban has 20 years on him. Based on what he did last year, Kiffin could end up being a great college coach in time if he stays on course.
___
The USC booster money is what powers recruiting at USC…the recruits don’t call it “U Score Cash” for nothing.
Heck everybody knows John Smith he is the Pilgrim who married the Indian girl Pocahontas.
What do I preach? I gave props to Arkansas and Long.
@drjem …
Interesting how you see a Midwesterner as a NY, NY, guy. Guess he didn’t get the memo when he decided to work at the University of Tennessee and Southeast Missouri State. And Green Bay doesn’t exactly scream Great White Way. Neither do Oakland or Tampa.
Funny how Arkansas wasn’t too, um, “hickey” for Mariucci. It’s a top 10 program in a big- money conference. A guy who wants to coach in the NCAA would be thrilled for that opportunity. Gruden doesn’t want to coach in the NCAA. And if he were the “all that” you think he is, he’d be coaching in the NFL. He didn’t walk away from the game like Cowher. He was fired. No one has made him an offer to get back on the field since, and there’s no logical reason Arkansas should be the first.
@papabush88 …
You’ve got me there! Gruden is a good quarterbacks coach
@bozosforall …
Wait … are you the one who likes to talk about USC paying recruits in the 1920s? Can we keep our criticisms within the last half century? Aren’t you an LSU fan? Why all the USC hate?
Bozosforall: you act like I have no respect for other teams. I have the utmost respect for teams like Alabama, Oregon, LSU, Ohio St, Penn State etc. Everyone has a few bad apples in their org. Tressel, Reggie Bush, Petrino. Whomever it is. SEC teams have some of best fans. Fans can’t play the game. So, one way they get involved is some good ole fashioned trash talking. Some people take it too far and have no respect for others/other teams. I do. I’m not a big Les Miles fan. But few years ago when I was still at USC, an LSU fan came to tailgate at my frat for a pre game. He had no interest in game itself. He just wanted to attend a good college football game. No.matter how much you deny it, USC is a great program. What a cool football fan that guy was. And he was cooking jambalaya. So much respect for him and that fanbase. Fans talk a little smack. That’s what you do. But have respect for programs. That’s my two cents.
I’ve seen you dogging several teams, coaches and players on many other posts here. Don’t even try to deny it.
So quit dogging other teams like I have seen you do here…otherwise, STHU, when it comes to criticizing others about being negative. Like I said, practice what you preach.
It’s Weber St. Who gives S***!!
@ bozosforall
So much hatred. It’s sad. On the other hand, its people like you that make USC so good. You fuel that fire. The best part is that you admit you have no proof that USC is cheating right now with your argument being “come on, everyone knows they are.” Yet I can say that about any team, especially teams from the two biggest NCAA rule violating conferences (Big 12 and SEC). Or you mention something from a novel about USC football in the 1920s as if that “novel”, which is fiction by the way, is relevant or applicable to any member of the USC team today. So, in your own words, prove that this current team is cheating or you can STHU or whatever childish phrase you use. Stop hating, especially when you have no reason to.
I did recently criticize Steve Spurrier for that article written the other day about him throwing some jabs to another team, but that’s because I don’t like coaches that open their mouth like that. Similarly, I didn’t like Kiffin when he was doing that at Tennessee, but he doesn’t do it anymore. I also really don’t like Rex Ryan and think he’s the big problem with the Jets.
@mamabushleague
I’ve never “admitted” having no proof…the proof that USC boosters cheat was exposed long ago by former players. And that cheating is condoned by USC by their looking the other way when the players get paid. You also condone this cheating because you are a hypocrite. So get off of your high horse, slimeball.
@papabush88 …
Just saying you don’t like Les’s hat can get you lynched (figuratively speaking) on this forum
Some of the best fans on these boards are LSU fans, but quite a few of them are stone cold crazy.
@bozosforall …
I’ve got no personal beef with you, but are you ragging another commenter for hating on other teams? Seriously? Dude … that’s sort of your schtick. Your Patriots hate is a scary thing to behold. And that’s saying a lot coming from a Steelers fan.
Bozosforall: ok, so then where’s your proof? Where’s your proof that USC is cheating right now? Don’t you think if there was proof, the NCAA would be investigating USC? Nice play on words with mama bush league. Do you tie your own shoes too?
@Deb
This guy is filled with so much hate. Of course he hates the patriots. He probably hates the steelers too or anyone who wins.
Les is not my type of coach. Not saying he isn’t good cuz he obviously is. And especially after the kid tailgated at my fraternity few years ago, I have a lot of respect for LSU fans…other SEC fans too. The one asterisk there is that some SEC fans that wont tell you which team they like but just talk about how good the SEC is bother me. It’s probably because their team is one of the ones that hasn’t won one of the last 6 championships…like Vanderbilt, Miss State, Ole Miss, Tennessee whatever. That’s just how I feel. I’m sure as a Steelers fan you aren’t touting your AFC North division (did I get that right?), especially more than your own team.
@papabush88 …
You got the AFC North right, although I’ve been around long enough to occasionally come out with “AFC Central”
Actually, I have a little love/hate thing going with the AFCN that’s rubbed off from my SEC upbringing. I hate the Ravens but respect them, and get along well with most of our division’s rival fans as long as they’re behaving.
And I have no problem saying which SEC team has my lifelong allegiance …
ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!
(It is a little weird now because I’m a Mizzou grad, but we’re a Bama family and that’s where the loyalty lies
)
@Deb…
Alabama is one of the great programs of all time. College football isn’t the same without Alabama, Notre Dame (unfortunately, not as much nowadays), USC, Ohio State, Michigan, and Miami (their a little newer)
Would love for a USC-Alabama home and home series.
@Deb
Why don’t you root for your alma mater, The Missouri Tigers? It’s ok to root for the Tide, but who would you pull for if the Tide played Mizzou? My Family are big Rutgers fans and I am too. But, if the Gamecocks played the Scarlet Knights, make no doubt my heart is with THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA FIGHTING GAMECOCKS! You need to love the Mizzou Tigers girl! That’s YOUR school. And they are going to surprise alot of people in the SEC. As a matter of fact, I’m picking the Tiger’s over the Georgia Bull Dog in Game 1! You ROCK, DEB! I’m thinking maybe you and the PapaBush88 should think about formalizing the relationship….no motorcycle rides for you! Straight up….or straight out! Put some pressure on him…..I think he’s sweet on you too.
@thegamecocker
Haha. Thanks, matchmaker, but I am happily married with a 16 month old son and soon to be LB for USC. Wife is a Trojan too. Wouldn’t have it any other way!
Also, I can’t afford motorcycle rides. Maybe a bus ride…
@papabush88
LOL! The Southern Cal Trojans. IMO the greatest fight song ever: FIGHT ON! The Fighting Gamecocks played the Trojans twice, home and away.
Lost in LA but beat the mighty Trojans in Columbia either late ’70′s or early ’80′s.
@thegamecocker …
It’s no contest. Although I’m Floridian, my dad’s family goes back generations in Alabama, and I popped out of the womb into a Tide family. My dad and his sister moved here when they were young but all of us are Tide fans. My brother now lives in Tuscaloosa. We were both Tide fans for years before we decided where to attend college. Those decisions were based on our majors, not the football team we supported.
Alabama plays Mizzou this year. Fortunately, they’re in the Eastern Division, so that won’t happen often. I’m loyal to the University of Missouri for giving me a great education, and always wish the team well. That’s where my money goes when I can afford to donate. But when the teams hit the field, I’ll be rooting for the Tide. I’ve never thought twice about it.
@Deb
OMG! I’ve never run across someone like you who gives money to their school but would root against it when playing the Crimson Tide! I give to both Rutgers and South Carolina when I can. But I ALWAYS root for SC if they were to play RU in any sport. Both daughters are RU grads and one is going to Grad school there next year. Are you afraid of your Family if you were to root for MIZZOU? Just curious…where did you Brother go to school? Hope not Auburn or Clemson. If he didn’t go to ‘Bama, is he allowed to root for the school he went to? Does your Family know you occasionally give money to MIZZOU? No wonder you’re on these threads spouting off….it’s apparent your Family does not let you speak or have a POV that differs from the ‘Bama crowd. In a way, your life is kinda like being Amish. Do they make you dress a certain way? Are you allowed to have your MIZZOU Diploma hung up for all to see? Don’t worry Deb, I will continue to be your friend and so will Papabush88.
@thegamecocker …
Afraid to speak my mind? Oh, you do not know me lol Was blessed with a sweet face and polite Southern manner but have no problem boldly taking unpopular positions and don’t crack under opposition. My family would fall over at the thought of anyone not letting me speak my mind. Would that they could! Speaking out isn’t exactly a problem for me. But at least I’m honest and you know where you stand
I support Missouri’s School of Journalism because maintaining their reputation benefits me. And yes, I have my diploma and other memorabilia around my house … as well as Bama football memorabilia.
My brother received his undergrad degree from USF, but his wife is a Bama grad. We all grew up on Bama football–it’s a birthright. My mother’s a Floridian, but she’s a bigger Bama fan than my dad
Deb says:
Apr 24, 2012 12:40 AM
@bozosforall …
I’ve got no personal beef with you, but are you ragging another commenter for hating on other teams? Seriously? Dude … that’s sort of your schtick. Your Patriots hate is a scary thing to behold. And that’s saying a lot coming from a Steelers fan.
__
I have no problem ragging on other commentators for hating on other teams. Just giving them all a taste of their own medicine (and yes, I’ve seen mamabush dogging several other teams, including Arkansas in the last few weeks). He plays all innocent but he is nothing more than a typically arrogant USC fan boy. You should know by now that those types are the ones that I usually rag on, no matter the fan base (hence the issues that I have with New England sports fans in general, who have dogged the Yankees for the better part of the last century yet take issue when their team gets smacked around). So, if guys like mamabush want to dog other teams, then they should be prepared to receive the same sort of treatment.
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