Top MSU Officials Supportive Of Smith
12/2/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 2, 2005
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Top Michigan State University administrators on Friday supported football coach John L. Smith, saying they believe his program is on the right track.
But President Lou Anna Simon and Athletic Director Ron Mason both made it clear they expect the Spartan program to improve from this season's 5-6 record.
Smith, who is three years into a six-year contract, has an 18-18 record after three years at Michigan State. The Spartans have missed bowl games in each of the past two seasons, raising some speculation that Smith was on the hot seat.
"By being here, we're putting a lot of things to rest," Mason said after Smith's end-of-the-season press conference. "We're in recruiting season right now. It's critical that players know the coach is going to be here. We're on track. We're doing things right."
Simon addressed media before Smith took the podium for his season wrapup.
"What is clear is we are all committed to building a program, and building a program the right way," Simon said.
But Simon also made it clear she is frustrated with the sense that Michigan State's football glory days ended in the 1960s. The Spartans haven't been to the Rose Bowl since 1988 and have struggled to maintain momentum when the program has had some success. Michigan State's record in the last 10 seasons is 63-56.
"We expect to go to bowl games and we expect to compete for championships," Simon said.
Depth issues have hurt the Spartans in Smith's three seasons, making this recruiting season crucial. Michigan State has 73 players on scholarship, 12 under the limit.
In Smith's three seasons at Michigan State, he has a 10-3 record in August and September. His record levels off to 6-5 mark in October and falls to 2-10 in December and January.
Smith appeared relieved at Friday's joint appearance with top Michigan State officials.
"It's great to stand up shoulder-to-shoulder with the AD and the president and talk about our vision for the program," Smith said.
By TIM MARTIN, The Associated Press
