Petrino releases statement, calls Smith a 'great hire'

Bobby Petrino called AD Jeff Long's hiring of John L. Smith to a 10-month, $850,000 contract a “great hire” in a statement released Monday night. “While there were several outstanding internal candidates, John L. brings a lot of head coaching experience to the table that will help Arkansas transition,” Petrino said. “He will unify the staff, the team and the Razorback fan base.”