Finally back home, Smith aiming for a national title

"He's demonstrated an ability to create an environment of success. We clearly want that in our program here," he said. "We have lofty goals; we have goals to compete in this conference, to win championships and compete at the national level, and I believe he's the man that will lead this program to do that. ... I'm excited about the future of this program."

Email: rhollis@desnews.com

JOHN L. SMITH FILE

Age: 63

Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho

Alma mater: Weber State (1968-71)

Coaching experience:

Assistant at Weber State (1972), Montana (1972-76), Nevada (1977-81), Idaho (1982-85), Wyoming (1986), Washington State (1987-88) and Arkansas (2009-11).

Head coach at Idaho (1989-94), Utah State (1995-97), Louisville 1998-2002) and Michigan State (2003-06).

Head coaching record: 132-86 (18 years); Idaho (53-21), Utah State (16-18), Louisville (41-21), Michigan State (22-26).

Postseason appearances: 1989-90, 1992-94 (I-AA playoffs); 1997 (Humanitarian Bowl); 1998 (Motor City Bowl); 1999 (Humanitarian Bowl), 2000 (Liberty Bowl), 2001 (Liberty Bowl), 2002 (GMAC Bowl); 2003 (Alamo Bowl).

Conference titles won or shared: 6

Awards/honors: Big Sky scholar-athlete and Academic All-American, 1971; all-time winningest coach at University of Idaho with 53 victories; Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame, 2001; Big Ten Coach of the Year, 2003.