USC’s McGee Says Smith Will Return

Larry Smith will be back.

“Of course,” USC Athletic Director Mike McGee said Tuesday, dismissing speculation that the Trojans might look for a new football coach. “There’s no question that we are all very disappointed with the results of this season, but we also have full confidence that . . . we will return to (field) a team that challenges for the conference championship and a high national position.”

Despite a 3-8 record this season, its worst in 34 years, USC is 38-20-2 in five seasons under Smith, 28-9-2 in the Pacific 10 Conference. The Trojans played in the Rose Bowl game after each of Smith’s first three seasons. .

Smith signed a contract extension of unspecified length last summer. Originally, he was signed to a five-year contract when he was hired away from Arizona after the 1986 season.