While there still are three remaining games in the season, Michigan State announced on Wednesday that John L. Smith will not return to coach for the 2007 season.

In order to complete the operation, the university will buy out the remaining two years on his contract. His annual salary is $1.35 million. However, Smith's buyout clause is $1.5 million. Athletic director Ron Mason explained that the poor on field performance forced the Michigan State University to consider a change regarding the coach position.

Smith will continue to coach the Spartan through the three remaining games of the season, which includes a bowl game. Michigan State, after a disappointing 4-5 this season, have no other choice than to win two of its three remaining games against Purdue, Minnesota and Penn State, if they want qualify for the post-season.

John Smith was already under pressure at Michigan State since the last losing season. School officials granted him with a vote of confidence, but clearly stipulated that the university was expecting better results in 2006. Unfortunately Smith had once again a disappointing season. By making an announcement before the end of the season, Michigan State will be able search for a new coach with transparency.

Smith has a 132-83 record in 18 seasons as a college head coach. He joined the Spartans in 2003 and managed to lead the team to an 8-5 record plus an Alamo Bowl berth. However, it has been his only winning season with the Spartans. All of his last three teams have produced poor results lacking of consistency. During Smith’s tenure, the Spartans record is 22-23, including 0-4 marks against Michigan and Ohio State. This season, the Spartans began 3-0 under Smith. Unfortunately they did not maintain this level of performance and went 1-5.

Michigan State’s decision just took place exactly four years after it fired Bobby Williams with three games left in a season that was disappointing on and off the field.

About the writer: Nigel Kerry is an American free lance writer born in Los Angeles, California. Kerry writes among others for Sportus.com - Sportsbook reviews, UsBookies.com - Sports Betting Online and Get-best-mortgage-loan.com - Mortgage lenders, get the best mortgage loan

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