SIU men's and women's track and field coach Connie Price-Smith is leaving her alma mater to take over as the head coach at the University of Mississippi.
The four-time U.S. Olympian, who was just named head coach of the U.S. women's track and field team for the 2016 Olympics, was announced as the new leader of the Rebels track & field and cross country programs Tuesday.
SIU Athletic Director Tommy Bell says the Salukis have a history of losing legendary coaches to higher profile schools. He says SIU did all it could to keep Price-Smith, but in the end, the numbers just didn't add up.
"I was doing everything I could, by knowing that history, as I always tell our staff, 'if you don't know your history, you can't chart your future." So, that was one reason why President Dunn was behind us totally on the retention of coach. We felt like we made a good faith effort, but at the end of the day, we all know that some of the SEC coffers and resources are a little deeper than some people can imagine."
Bell says within just a few hours after the news broke about Price-Smith leaving, he received emails from five head coaches at FBS-conference institutions.
"Because that's how well coach has elevated our program. We're fully resourced, we're a fully funded program, fully staffed. Now, with a new facility, everybody understands that track and field is a very strong, viable program here. So, I think that's got everybody's attention."
We felt like we made a good faith effort, but at the end of the day, we all know that some of the SEC coffers and resources are a little deeper than some people can imagine. - SIU Director of Athletics Tommy Bell
Price-Smith leaves after arguably the best year in SIU track & field history. The women's team finished in 9th place in the indoor national championships and 12th place in the outdoor competition. The Salukis also had three NCAA individual champions in 2015. Freshman Raven Saunders captured the indoor and outdoor shot put titles and junior DeAnna Price won the outdoor hammer throw.
Over the last 14 seasons as head coach at SIU, Price-Smith led the Saluki women to four Missouri Valley Conference titles. She also directed the men to a pair of league titles.
Price-Smith is a 1985 graduate of Southern Illinois University. She married her longtime throws coach John Smith in 1990, the same year she was inducted into the Saluki Hall of Fame.
Bell says a national search for a new head coach will begin right away.
