Strength coach weakened; Smith is placed under strict review by Kiffin

Tennessee head football strength and conditioning coach Mark Smith is under strict review by coach Lane Kiffin and might not be with the Vols when summer workouts begin in June, a source told the News Sentinel.

The specifics of the friction between Smith and Kiffin were not disclosed.

Smith was still considered a member of UT’s football team as of late Thursday night and had not cleaned out his office despite persistent rumors to the contrary within the football office and on the Internet.

The terms of Smith’s departure would determine his financial compensation. Smith has on a one-year contract. He joined UT’s football program in January fter spending four years as director of football strength and conditioning at South Carolina.

If Smith is fired, UT will be contractually obligated to pay the remainder of his contract. If he leaves on his own accord, UT will not be financially obligated.

When Smith was hired, UT said he would earn $190,000. His pay was $140,000 at South Carolina.

Smith’s resume also includes two years in the NFL, first with the Washington Redskins in 2003 and then with New Orleans Saints in 2004.

Smith was a two-year starter at linebacker for North Carolina State. He began his strength and conditioning career as assistant strength coach for the Wolfpack from 1993-97. He moved to Florida as strength coordinator from 1998-2001 and spent 2002 as head of the Kansas program before moving to the NFL.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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