On this date in Razorback history, April 23

New Arkansas head coach John L. Smith speaks to reporters after being introduced at an NCAA college football news conference in Fayetteville, Ark., Tuesday, April 24, 2012. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)April 23, 2012

Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long hired John L. Smith on a 10-month contract two weeks after firing Coach Bobby Petrino with cause following his motorcycle wreck with his mistress aboard.

Smith, 63, who had departed Petrino’s staff to become head coach at his alma mater Weber State in December 2011, agreed on a contract that would pay him $850,000 for the season. Smith also agreed to keep all members of the coaching staff, the strength coaches and support staff in their current…