Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

John L. Smith was Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long’s choice in April to oversee the football program  for 2012. Smith remains Long’s choice.

Long, speaking to the Northwest Arkansas Touchdown Club and in a Q&A with media that followed said he remains behind Smith, entering Saturday’s game at Texas A&M. Arkansas began the season ranked in the Top 10, but has fallen to 1-3.

“I remain steadfastly behind this group of young men and this coaching staff,” Long said from the podium. Asked after his speech about his support of Smith, Long said he is committed to the interim coach.

“I’ve tried to make that clear - maybe I don’t in my speeches - but yeah, we’re committed to this season,” Long said. “He’s going to lead our team through this season. That’s something we made a commitment to back in April and we’re going to stand behind that commitment.”

Smith was hired by Long in April and the current coaching staff was signed to contracts to keep them on campus until the end of 2012 and through a bowl game. Long said he has no plans to make changes.

Arkansas has struggled on the field. Smith has been criticized nationally for his public speaking missteps, but Long urged continued support from the fan base through the season and until a full-time coach can be hired.

ArkansasSports360.com will update this post.