Vols hire USC's strength coach

USC strength coach Mark Smith attended Saturday's practice, but will be leaving the Gamecocks before their Outback Bowl game against Iowa.

Smith has accepted an offer to join new Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin's staff in the same capacity, sources confirmed. The 44-year-old Smith is expected to resign before the Gamecocks depart for Tampa, Fla., for the bowl game.

Smith, whose USC salary is $140,000, is expected to make $200,000 at Tennessee, plus incentives. Smith becomes the second Gamecocks coach hired by Kiffin, joining former USC recruiting coordinator David Reaves, Kiffin's brother-in-law.

This story was originally published December 21, 2008 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Vols hire USC's strength coach."