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Larry Smith Obituary
Smith died Monday in a Tucson hospital, the University of Arizona confirmed.
His 24-year head coaching career began at Tulane, included seven years at Arizona and ended in 2000 at Missouri. Smith was 143-126-7 and his teams were 3-6-1 in bowl games.
Smith coached Southern California for six years, finishing 44-25-3, before he was fired on New Year's Day of 1993, his departure hastened by a 24-7 loss in the Freedom Bowl to unranked Fresno State.
Smith started his tenure at USC in 1987 and took the Trojans to the Rose Bowl in each of his first three seasons. The Trojans lost their first two Rose Bowls under Smith, before beating Michigan and his mentor, Bo Schembechler, in Schembechler's final game as Wolverines' coach after the 1989 season.
Smith remained active in recent years, including working with the College Football Hall of Fame and spearheading efforts to change coaching at the Pop Warner level to make sure youngsters get the proper football fundamentals. As part of that, Smith began an annual football clinic for Pop Warner coaches.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
18 Entries
Rev Protodeacon George Haloulakos
November 13, 2017
I recently came across a handwritten letter I received from Coach Smith on USC Trojan letterhead (specifically his personal Head Coach stationery) in late Dec 1992 -- just days before the devastating Freedom Bowl loss to Fresno State. It was a "get well" letter offering prayers and good wishes while yours truly was in the midst of a year-long daily physical therapy regimen in the aftermath of a life-threatening auto accident. I still marvel at how he took time out of his busy schedule to extend a hand of friendship. Coach Smith was under enormous pressure at the time as USC was in the midst of an up-and-down season but he voiced a prayerful optimism that has become more poignant with the passage of time. As a lifetime Trojan alum his thoughtfulness was a wonderful Christmas gift that lifted my spirits during a difficult stretch. I believe such acts of mercy, grace and kindness transcend gridiron accomplishments. I am forever grateful. May his memory be eternal!
Respectfully,
Rev Protodeacon George Haloulakos
USC Alumnus - BS in 1979 & MBA in 1981
Jay Bledsoe
July 9, 2009
It was a real pleasure and privilege to play for Larry; he was one of my heroes. He was a fine man and truly left his mark on me. I often think of him in those situations where leadership and courage are demanded of me.
I hope you are doing well. We miss him and need more like him in my opinion.
J Kelly
December 2, 2008
I worked for Coach as a student equpment mgr, I always liked the passion he showed on the sidelines.
He was a winner.
God bless
Sandra DeHaven
January 31, 2008
Memories of this "Gentle Giant" from your Tulane days, you were a wonderful neighbor and friend. I'll always cherish your family and friendship. May God's blessing and comfort carry this family thru their loss.
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Paul Roberts
January 30, 2008
Our thoughts are with the Smith family at this difficult time. Larry was one of a kind, and touched everyone he befriended, espically our family in So. Calif. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Paul, Lauri & Jeff Roberts
He fought the good fight!
Sheila Smith
January 29, 2008
Rest in Peace Larry.
vanessa Selig
January 29, 2008
So sad to hear of this.May God bless that family and friends.He is at peace finally.That's the best thing for him.His legacy will always live on.
Don Erwin
January 29, 2008
Having been employed at the UA.,I had the good fortune of knowing Larry Smith and his family since 1972.Both being old Ohio boys,our relationship grew. Fortunately, I got to know the Coach on a personal level. He surely will be missed and I know in my heart he will be 'first string on God's team', A TRUE ALL AMERICAN. With love and sadness.
Guy Murdock
January 29, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I was truly sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Larry was my position coach (interior offensive line) at Michigan almost 40 years ago - he helped me through some difficult times. I was very fortunate to see him in November of 2006 at Bo's Memorial and it was great to catch up. Larry was a compassionate coach and person and he will be truly missed.
Frank and Linda Brown
January 29, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Beverly Rhodes
January 29, 2008
May you rest in peace coach in the arms of the master. JOHN 3:16
Jenny
January 29, 2008
Larry was the coach of the University of Missouri Tigers during my four years there. What an exciting time...some wonderful wins, and some heartbreaking losses (vs. Nebraska - the "kicked" ball). As a friend to a number of players during that time, I know that Larry was greatly respected. My thoughts are with his family.
Jerry Boomershine
January 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Smith family. As one of Coach Smith's Managers, I am deeply saddened, as I myself fight cancer. I will always remember Coach Smith.
January 29, 2008
My Condolences to the family. God assures us:"He is near to those that are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves"(Ps 34:18) May these word of God be of comfort in time of grief.
Silas Bowman
January 29, 2008
We will miss you coach
January 29, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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