Comments about ‘Weber State football: Wildcats banking their future on John L. Smith’

Well, he'll definitely provide the media a lot of quotes and other "creative" material, but the guy is 63, and he replaces Coach McBride. One would have thought that Weber State might have wanted to go a little younger w/ someone who can really build the program. And they want to "bank their future" on him? Interesting hire to say the least.

"He said his goal is to win the FCS (small division) national championship."

Small division? Or, how about Football Championship Series? You know the other Division-1 teams that actually compete for a national championship through a playoff, where ALL FCS teams actually have the same chance as every other team to earn a championship instead of argue/lobby for and/or buy one.

I'm undecided on what I think about the hire. I think the program is in decent shape after Mac's efforts and could easily take more steps in the right direction, immediately. I like the idea of an alum with a love for the school and area-- he won't be bolting after having success. John L has a great resume and is familiar with the Big Sky, inter-mountain West, and the FCS.

At age 63, he might go 10-12 years and do just fine, although he might also decide to retire sooner, experience health issues, etc. I'd like a younger, fiery, long-term coach but there's never any guarantees of tenure or the ability of actually being able to successfully run a program. Hoping for the best! GO WEBER!

Re: SWWeatherGuy "At age 63, he might go 10-12 years and do just fine." I hope you're right. I give him 3-5 years, tops. I just don't know how you really build a program around such older coaches.

@So. Cal Reader,

I appreciate your point about the younger coach and mentality, but the younger coaches leave in 2-3 years if they have any success. To be able to get a coach with the credentials that Smith has, and really know he is going to finish his career there whether it be 5 or 15 years will give the program more stability.

He also has great experience with the Big Sky Conference and his name appeal will help with recruiting. I think it is a win-win. From the list of other candidates, I didn't see anything that looked as enticing.

I guess we will find out with time.