FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- New Arkansas coach John L. Smith says he couldn't pass up the opportunity to guide a team he helped mold, one without a leader since Bobby Petrino's firing.

The Razorbacks introduced Smith as their new coach Tuesday after three weeks of turmoil surrounding Petrino's affair.

The 63-year-old Smith, who was an assistant for Arkansas the last three seasons under Petrino, returns after leaving the school in December to become the head coach at Weber State.

Smith has a 132-86 record in 18 seasons as a head coach, also including stops at Michigan State, Louisville, Idaho and Utah State. He signed a 10-month, $850,000 contract with Arkansas.