After the sudden dismissal of Bobby Petrino earlier in the month, the University of Arkansas wanted to keep continuity in a program that went 11-2 in 2011 and returns many key upperclassmen.  The Razorbacks decided that John L. Smith is the perfect guy to lead Arkansas during their transition phase.  Today, the university hired the veteran coach to a one year deal.

Smith is no stranger to the university and Bobby Petrino.  Smith hired Petrino to coach his quarterbacks at Idaho in the late 80s, while Petrino hired Smith to coach special teams at Arkansas in 2009.  Smith was hired to coach Weber State earlier in 2012, but will leave the Wildcats to coach the Hogs.

In 18 seasons as a head coach Smith has a solid record of 132-86 (.606).  Naturally, Twitter exploded with the news of the hire, but Dan Wolken of 'The Daily' summed it up best when he tweeted:

I know John L Smith is going to get killed for leaving Weber St in the lurch. But don't pretend like you care about Weber State football.

No matter what happens at Arkansas I will always best remember John L. Smith for this epic meltdown at halftime of the MSU/Ohio St. game in 2005.

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