John L. Smith: 5 Thing to Know About the New Arkansas Football Coach

Arkansas' search to replace Bobby Petrino came to a close on Monday when the Associated Press reported that John L. Smith will take over as the head coach of the Razorbacks on an interim basis. Smith's career as a head coach is highlighted by stints at Michigan State (2003-06) and Louisville (1998-2002).

He wasn't one of the top names floating around during the search, so here are some things you need to know to become acquainted with the new Arkansas head coach.

Weber State Head Coach (2012)

John L. Smith accepted the head coaching position at his alma mater Weber State in December of 2011. He played linebacker and quarterback for the Wildcats from 1968-70 and also got his coaching career started there as a graduate assistant in 1971.

Arkansas Special Teams Coordinator (2009-11)

Smith worked on the Arkansas staff from 2009-11 as the special teams coordinator under former head coach Bobby Petrino. This experience is the biggest reason why Smith was hired as Arkansas' head coach. He knows the personnel both on the field and on the coaching staff, and can slide in as interim head coach without much disruption. 

On the field, he was a success as special teams coordinator. His Arkansas team led college football with four punt returns of more than 50 yards.

He's not being hired by Arkansas on the merits of his special teams coaching ability; he's being hired for familiarity.

Michigan State Head Coach (2003-2006)

Michigan State is where John L. Smith's reputation as a head coach went downhill. He was hired before the 2003 season and promptly led the Spartans to an 8-5 season and an Alamo Bowl appearance. He was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year following his first season in East Lansing.

Over the next three seasons, he won a total of 14 games and never more than five in one season. On Nov. 1, 2006, he was notified that his contract would not be renewed, but coached the remainder of the season for Michigan State.

He was 22-26 as the head coach of the Spartans.

Louisville Head Coach (1998-2002)

John L. Smith's big break came with the Louisville Cardinals, where he compiled a 41-21 record from 1998-2002, including Conference USA titles in 2000 and 2001. The Cardinals went 1-4 in bowl games during Smith's tenure at Louisville, with the only win coming in the 2001 Liberty Bowl—a 28-10 win over BYU.

His sustained success in Louisville earned a trip to East Lansing and the opportunity to lead Michigan State, but the circumstances surrounding his exit were heavily criticized. He notified his Louisville players that he was leaving for Michigan State at halftime of the Cardinals' 38-15 loss to Marshall in the 2002 GMAC Bowl.

The Ohio State Meltdown

John L. Smith's career has been littered with highs and lows, but he's most known for some legendary moments in the press, including the meltdown in this video going into halftime of Michigan State's 2005 matchup with Ohio State.

Another famous media moment in Smith's career is the postgame press conference after Michigan State's 2006 game vs. Notre Dame, when he slapped himself in the face.