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get the head job but it didn't work out, so it's on to the next challenge."
• And that challenge is to get fans in Lincoln, Neb., to think more than just football.
• "Tim has always done a great job of turning programs around," Smith said. "Basically, all of the jobs Tim has taken have been rebuilding jobs, with the exception of NDSU. But that was another challenge because of the Division I transition."
• When Miles landed the Mayville job, it didn't take him long to make an impact. He coached the Comets for two seasons, leading the program to the national NAIA tournament. He left for Southwest Minnesota State but Smith didn't follow.
• Smith left Mayville when Miles did, going first to Northern State then Minot State.
• When Miles landed the NDSU job in 2001, he again hired Smith. But Smith eventually left the Bison staff to take the head Mayville State job in 2004. And, like Miles, Smith had success in Mayville as well -- leading the Comets to the NAIA national title game in 2007.
• Smith later joined Miles at Colorado State. And the two helped elevate the Mountain West Conference program to a Top 25 status this past season as the Rams qualified for the NCAA tournament.
• Their mission at Nebraska already has received a jumpstart. The school is pumping money into its men's basketball program. The $19 million Hendricks Training Complex is up and running.
• "It's a state-of-the-art locker room and every guy is given an iPad," Smith said. "There are 65 TVs in the facility. I feel like I'm walking into Disneyland every day."
• Also, the $200 million Pinnacle Bank Arena is under construction in Lincoln. The Cornhuskers will play there starting with the 2013-14 season. It will seat 16,000.
• The two coaches realize they are a long way from Mayville, in both distance and dollars. But Smith said the differences between Lewy Lee Fieldhouse in Mayville and Lincoln aren't necessarily night and day.
• "Bricks and mortar are great, but at the end of the day you realize it's all about the people that surround you," Smith said.
• From Mayville to Nebraska, Miles has virtually seen it all in men's college basketball. The new Nebraska coach can't wait to get started on another coaching venture.
• "I'm really excited about this challenge," Miles said. "It's a premier conference in the country. It's a situation that has unbelievable fan support. It's a great university and great athletic department. We've built programs before, and I believe we'll do it again."
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