Larry Smith, the fiery football coach who began “The Streak” and boosted Arizona to Pac-10 prominence, died this afternoon following a lengthy illness. He was 68.
Smith was diagnosed with leukemia in 2000 while coaching at the University of Missouri. He had recently also contracted lymphoma, and was battling pneumonia. Smith died at a Northwest Tucson hospital.
Smith went 48-28-3 in seven seasons (1980-86) as Arizona’s head coach before leaving for USC. In 2006, Smith called the move to Los Angeles “the toughest decision I’ve ever made.”
He led USC to Rose Bowl appearances in his first three seasons. Smith was fired following the 1992 season.Smith, the Wildcats' former defensive coordinator, was humbled by Arizona State 44-7 in his first season as head coach.
Smith responded by putting even more emphasis on the rivalry game, and "The Streak" began.
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Under Smith, Arizona beat its in-state rival each year from 1982-86, twice costing the Sun Devils a trip to the Rose Bowl. The Wildcats tied Georgia in the 1985 Sun Bowl, and dispatched North Carolina 30-21 in the 1986 Aloha Bowl.
The victory would be Smith's last as a UA coach.
Days later, Smith and eight assistants left Tucson for USC without meeting with their players. Smith's first few trips back to the Old Pueblo were spectacles, marred by boos and obscene gestures. Smith told the Star in 2006 that leaving the UA for USC was "the toughest decision I ever had to make."
Smith coached at Miami (Ohio) and the University of Michigan before coming to Tucson in 1973 as an assistant under head coach Jim Young. He coached linebackers and served as defensive coordinator before departing for his first head coaching job, at Tulane. Smith compiled an 18-27 record before being named Arizona’s head coach in 1980.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, children Corby and Alicia and five grandchildren.
Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, the family said late tonight.
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