Tubby Smith says he'll be back next season

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota coach Tubby Smith says he expects to be back at Minnesota next season.

Several reports on Monday said Smith was close to replacing John Pelphrey at Arkansas. Smith appeared on his weekly radio show on WCCO-AM Monday night and was asked if he expected to return.

Smith said, "Yes I do."

The coach said he is continuing to work on a two-year extension with athletic director Joel Maturi. Smith has wanted a new practice facility ever since he arrived in 2007, but the school has not been able to raise the necessary funds to make that happen yet.

Smith just wrapped up a disappointing fourth season in Minnesota. The Gophers lost 10 of their last 11 games and did not receive a bid to the NCAA or NIT tournaments.