When initially asked if he would leave IU to coach with Arizona Coach Rich Rodriguez, IU Co-Offensive Coordinator Rod Smith scoffed and said he was in Bloomington to stay. As time passed, Smith was offered a job to work with Rodriguez, with whom he worked for at West Virginia and Michigan, and he took the job.
IU Athletics released a press release with IU Coach Kevin Wilson's reaction to Smith's departure:
Indiana head football coach Kevin Wilson's statement on assistant coach Rod Smith departing IU's staff:
"We appreciate Rod's efforts with us this season," Wilson said. "We're sorry to see him leave and wish him and his family the very best. Rod has a long-standing relationship with Coach Rodriguez and we understand his decision.
"As we move forward, we'll take our time to find the fit for our coaching staff that will keep our program headed in a positive direction."
