Former Razorback Head Football Coach Bobby Petrino has issued a statement on the appointment of John L. Smith as Razorback Head Football Coach.
The Associated Press reports Petrino made a statement late Monday night through his agent, Russ Campbell saying, “I think Jeff Long made a great hire. 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.”
Smith worked under Petrino at the University of Arkansas as Special Teams Coordinator and Outside Linebacker Coach from 2009 – 2011. He was with the Hogs when they made their first BCS appearance.
Smith also worked with Petrino at Idaho, Utah State, and Louisville.
Petrino was fired from the University of Arkansas April 10 after it was revealed that he was reportedly having an affair with former Student Athlete Development Coordinator Jessica Dorrell and had given her a $20,000 gift. Petrino was originally hired to replace Houston Nut on December 11, 2007.
