John L. Smith Will Not Return To Spartans Sidelines In 2007

We can't say we're surprised by the move made by Michigan State yesterday. The firing of head coach John L. Smith after the program has seen little or no improvement during his tenure and his loss of control of his players. Smith lost to Illinois and Indiana this season, who have been the laughing stock of the Big Ten for the past decade. The Spartans have also lost 4 out of their last 5 games. You have to think the turning point of the season was their meltdown to Notre Dame.

"If we play the very best we can, and that's what we're going to do, hopefully we can get a reward," Smith said. "And if we go to a bowl game, which we're going to get done, we'll have a heckuva going-away party."

"I am going to, and the staff is going to, for the next whatever time we have left, enjoy being with these guys, enjoy going to the field, enjoy coaching them and enjoy spending time with them. I love these guys and I'm going to miss them. That's the hardest part about any of this -- leaving your kids."

He's melted down several time this season and if you see him on the sidelines he looks stressed and tired. The next coach will be the 5th in 12 years for MSU.

Source

We will miss classic moments like this from John L.: