Smith Not Going To The Hogs

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Yesterday, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that Minnesota coach Tubby Smith was “close” to being hired by Arkansas. 

We linked you to that report, but we also pointed out that Smith has been in contract negotiations with the Gophers on an extension.  We showed you a comment from Smith — “I’m going to finish my career here” — and asked if that sounded like a man preparing to pick up stakes again and move at age 59?

Turns out, it still sounds to us — and to many others today — like Smith is very much a smokescreen in the Arkansas search.  Minnesota’s coach said during his weekly radio show last night if he expected to return to the Gophers next year.  “Yes I do.”

The coach also said that he is continuing to work on a two-year extension with the school’s athletic director.  On that front, we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that reps for Smith might have leaked the Arkansas story to drive up the value of their client.

Either way, it’s hard to picture Smith moving again at this stage in his career.  And Arkansas fans might not be thrilled with bringing in a man who lost 10 of his last 11 games last year.  Razorback AD Jeff Long might not want to bring in a 59-year-old either for fear of having to go through the hiring process again in just five or six years.

Never say never, but this one sounded fishy to begin with… and even fishier now.