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OGDEN -- John L. Smith is returning to his Alma mater.
KSL has learned that Smith will be announced as the new head coach at Weber State Tuesday at an 11 a.m. press conference taking over for Ron McBride, who retired at the end of this past season.
Smith played linebacker and quarterback for the Wildcats from 1968-1970.
Smith began his head coaching career at Idaho (1989- 1994). Then he moved to Utah State (1995-1997) where he led the Aggies to the Humanitarian Bowl in 1997.
His coaching record at Utah State was 16-18.
John L. Smith coaching resume
| 1971 | Weber State | Graduate Assistant |
| 1972-1976 | Montana | Assistant |
| 1977-1981 | Nevada | Defensive Coordinator |
| 1982-1985 | Idaho | Defensive Coordinator |
| 1986 | Wyoming | Defensive Coordinator |
| 1987-1988 | Washington State | Defensive Coordinator |
| 1989-1994 | Idaho | Head Coach |
| 1995-1997 | Utah State | Head Coach |
| 1998-2002 | Louisville | Head Coach |
| 2003-2006 | Michigan State | Head Coach |
| 2009-present | Arkansas | Special Teams Coach |
After the 1997 season, Smith left Logan to become the head coach of Louisville for five years.(1998-2002). His record with the Cardinals was 41-21 with back-to-back Conference USA titles (2000, 2001).
Smith then was hired as head coach of Michigan State (2002-2006), earning a 22-26 record before his contract was not renewed following the 2006 season.
Smith has been the special teams coordinator at Arkansas the last three seasons.
Smith's overall head coaching record is 132-86.
Just in case your were wondering, yes, he is related to former Ute and current San Francisco 49er quarterback Alex Smith. John L. is Alex's uncle.
Email: rzundel@ksl.com
