John L. Smith didn't need to say a word in the press conference that followed MSU's 46-21 loss to Indiana on Saturday. The glassy-eyed look on his face was one of a coach who looked overwhelmed and defeated.
It said, "I'm out of answers; there's nothing more I can do."
The look was a sign of things to come. Athletics Director Ron Mason and MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon came to the decision Tuesday night that it was time for Smith and the university to part ways. Smith will be allowed to coach the team through the end of the season.
The decision seems a bit puzzling at first glance. Why let him stay? What's the point of having a lame-duck coach?
At the end of the day, it's the best way to handle the situation for all parties involved.
Simon and Mason now can freely conduct a search for the next MSU football head coach without worrying about keeping news of the hunt a secret. Simon has vowed that the search will be "transparent."
Recruits who have already given the Spartans a verbal commitment — such as Elite 11 quarterback prospect Keith Nichol — can get assurance from the athletics department that MSU is committed to excellence and is taking every measure possible to guarantee a smooth transition.
Fans can show up on the next two Saturdays and give the players their full support. The days of Spartan Stadium being filled with "Fire John L." signs should be over (hopefully).
Smith can coach the remaining games without wondering if he'll be fired at season's end. There's no pressure. His discussions with the media will — for once — focus entirely on football.
But most importantly, this is the best move for the current players. Forget the students, the alumni, the administration and everyone else. The greatest concern for Simon and Mason should be that the seniors are given the best possible chance to leave the program as winners. Booting Smith from his office midweek and handing the reigns over to an interim coach isn't going to improve the Spartans' chances of going bowling.
Smith might not be the right coach at MSU, but for the remaining three games, he's the best option. There's no risk for a lame duck here. Smith has many faults as a coach, but no one can question his commitment to his players.
It may seem like ages ago, but there was a time when Smith looked like the savior for MSU football. He took over a decimated program, resurrected Jeff Smoker, led the team to an 8-4 regular-season record and earned a trip to the Alamo Bowl. Unfortunately, the on-field product has only regressed since that season. The Spartans went from being competitive — taking Michigan into overtime in two straight seasons — to being blown out by the Big Ten's worst program.
That 46-21 loss to Indiana on Saturday was the final straw. Under no circumstances — injuries, suspensions, flu epidemic — should MSU ever lose to the Hoosiers. Spartans fans weren't even upset. They were laughing — laughing at a team that constantly shoots itself in the foot.
Where does the program go now? Mason and Simon need to take a long, hard look at the system Smith employed. Can you win in the Big Ten with a spread offense and a 4-2-5 defense? It's time for MSU to go back to the basics.
Play tough defense, pound the ball on offense and minimize mistakes. And — for the love of God — use a fullback once in a while.
Whoever comes in as the next MSU coach — be it a former college success (Butch Davis), a former Spartan making a living in the NFL (Pat Shurmur) or a head coach at a mid-major ready to take the next step (Brian Kelly) — everyone needs to give the guy a chance. They can't jump ship and call for the coach's head the moment things look bleak. It's not like Bear Bryant is being brought back from the dead to coach the Green and White.
But that's all for the future. For the next three weeks, give Smith and the players your support. The worst is over.
Ethan Conley is a State News football reporter. He can be reached at conleyet@msu.edu.
