So, what's the deal with Smart? I thought he was up for several openings. I'd say he's accomplished about all you can as an assistant.
I'm sure Saban kneecapped him or something.
Seriously though, I have a theory. Call me crazy, but I think he might be next in line at Alabama. Either that, or he is waiting to get a job offer in somewhat of the same situation that Malzahn got an offer. Arkansas St, for example, is at a high point. Their coach didn't leave because the team is shitty; he left because he got offered a better job, because he did so well bringing Arkansas St. back. Their program is probably in relatively good shape. It's not in shambles, and there is probably relatively little "rebuilding" to do. He is walking into a decent situation, something manageable. The odds are higher that it will be a little easier to sustain, as opposed to say, rebuilding Ole Miss.
Same theory applies if he is waiting around for Alabama. Let's face it; Saban doesn't have another 5 years in him. He is 60, and is probably close to retiring. I give him another 2-3 years at the most. Saban constantly pimps Smart in the media, and has said on more than one occasion that he is ready to be a head coach now. As long as the program doesn't implode upon itself due to cheating, steroids, interstate sex trafficking, etc, then that would be the perfect situation for Smart to walk right in to.