The Utah Runnin’ Utes are the first college basketball team to “move on” from their coach as the Unversity fired Craig Smith earlier this afternoon. The firing of Smith is somewhat surprising as there are just a few weeks until the end of the 2024-25 season. Also, the Utes have a winning record, and Smith was in the fourth season of a six-year deal he signed in 2021. The Utes become the fifth Power 5 conference team searching for a new basketball coach.
Utah’s decision makers, including athletic director Mark Harlan, apparently decided the program needed a new voice after the Utes 2025 NCAA Tournament at-large hopes ended following their 76-72 setback to UCF on Sunday. In their first season in the Big 12, the Utes are 15-12 on the campaign and are ninth in the conference at 7-9. Unless the Utes win the Big 12 Conference Tournament, it will mark the ninth straight season that they will fail to revive an NCAA bid.
Smith did have some success, but he struggled during conference play and against top-tier competition. After Smith’s first season in Salt Lake City, the Utes have gone 54-42, as they have won at least 15 contests in each of the last three years. However, the Utes didn’t finish above .500 in conference play once under Smith and went 30-46 overall. While the Utes thrived at the Jon M. Huntsman Arena, they were just 23-50 on the road and 12-46 in Quad I and II contests.
Big 12 Program Searching For Next Coach To “Take Storied Program Back to National Prominence”
“I want to thank Craig for his work and commitment since he arrived in Salt Lake City,” Harlan said in a statement. “He has led us to special moments and memorable victories, and Craig has poured his heart into building our current team. However, we have greater aspirations for our men’s basketball program, both within the Big 12 Conference and nationally, and our expectation is to compete in the NCAA Tournament regularly. However, we have greater aspirations for our men’s basketball program, both within the Big 12 Conference and nationally, and our expectation is to regularly compete in the NCAA Tournament.
Speaking of success, Smith and the Utes exceeded expectations this season. The Utes were picked to finish in the bottom third of the Big 12 after returning just 30% production from their 2023-24 club that won 22 contests and reached the NIT semis. The Utes picked up three Quad I victories.
Utah has struggled mightily during conference play. The Utes were outscored by over six points a game, and they are one of the worst shooting teams in the conference, connecting on 42.5% of their attempts. Three-point shooting and turnovers have been the Utes’ biggest issues. They knocked down 29.3% of their attempts from deep, which is 15th best in the league while attempting the sixth most per game (23). They are also committing the fourth-most turnovers at 12.6 a contest.
Gabe Madsen leads the Utes at 15.2 points a game, though that number has dipped to a touch over 13 during conference play. Ezra Ausar is the only other Ute to average in double figures. Defensively, Utah doesn’t guard the three-point line well and fouls way too much. They also don’t force too many turnovers.
What’s Next For The Utah Utes?
Assistant coach Josh Eilert has assumed the program’s reigns for the remainder of the season. Utah has four regular-season games and the Big 12 Tournament, which runs from March 11 to 15. The Utes travel to Arizona on February 26. They then host Arizona State (March 1) and West Virginia (March 4) before concluding the campaign at BYU on March 8.
“The time is now to begin that process,” Harlan continued. “We will surround coach Eilert, the staff, and our student-athletes with support as they continue with their season.”
Eilert is in his first season in Salt Lake City. Before joining Smith’s staff, he was in various capacities at West Virginia for 17 years, including interim coach in 2023-24. Under Eilert last year, WVU went 9-23 overall, including 4-14 in Big 12 play.
Harlan added that the University has already begun a national search for their next head coach to “take our storied program back to national prominence.”
The following is a look at some of the top candidates the Utes may consider. Utah is still responsible for the remainder of Smith’s contract, which is at least $4.5 million.
Eilert will probably get some consideration for the full-time gig. Unless the Utes totally impress under Eilert, expect Utah to go in another direction. While Eilert was at WVU, the Mountaineers did pull off two upset home victories over Kansas and Texas. But the Mountaineers were also outscored by seven points a game. Additionally, the Mountaineers ranked among the bottom 80 teams in the nation in offensive and defensive efficiency.
Utes Need To Spend More Money
If Utah wants to compete consistently for conference titles and at the national level, it will likely have to spend more money. According to Jon Wilner of the Bay Area News Group, Utah spent $10.3 million on men’s basketball in the 2024 fiscal year, about 60% of what Arizona and Kansas spent.
“Roster construction in the current era also requires a major commitment from the community in the form of name, image, and likeness support,” Wilner added. “To date, the Utes seemingly have been a few dollars short on that front.”
Speaking of roster construction, these days, it is an ever-revolving door. Utah will have to replace four seniors, including the Madsen twins, who have been regular contributors this year. The Utes project to have five scholarships available for next season and do not have a commitment from the 2025 recruiting class.
“This has little to do with Craig Smith’s coaching,” ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla tweeted about Smith’s firing. “This is one of those few times that nobody in his right mind would take this job without saying, “Show me the (NIL) money.” Coaching the team has much less to do with success today than ever before.”
In his statement, Harlan indicated that Utah is committed to continuing to invest in the program: “We have continued to invest in our men’s basketball program, adding staff, increasing compensation, and significantly enhancing NIL opportunities with our partners for our student-athletes. And our investments will only grow.”
Possible Candidates
Besides Eilert, who may Utah turn its attention to in the coaching search? KSL.com’s Patrick Kinahan believes that “Harlan can win the press conference by hiring the likes of former Utes Alex Jensen, Andre Miller, or Johnnie Bryant.” Richard Pitino, Bryce Drew, Porter Moser, Talvin Hester, Bucky McMillan, Leon Rice, Cody Fueger, Chris Burgess, and Jeff Hornacek have also been mentioned as possibilities.
Miami, Indiana, Florida State, and Virginia are other schools looking for head coaches after their current coaches retire at the end of the year or, in Virginia’s case, at the beginning of the upcoming season.
Alex Jensen
Jensen is one of several former Utes on this list. He played for Utah’s legendary coach, Rick Majaerus, during the mid-1990s and was a key contributor all four seasons. He earned several honors during his career, including the 1999-20 Mountain West Conference Most Valuable Player.
Jensen, who played professionally overseas for seven years, started coaching with St. Louis University in 2007. He has been an NBA assistant since 2013-14, spending 10 seasons with the Utah Jazz, and is currently with the Dallas Mavericks. Additionally, he has head coaching experience with the Canton Charge of the G-League, where he was named Coach of the Year in 2013.
Here is what Steve Bartle of KSL.com had to say about Jensen’s candidacy:
“Jensen’s inclusion here is obvious. He has a deep understanding of the program and the history of it, given that he was part of it, and his potential hiring would resonate significantly with the fanbase. As a coach, player development and his experience at the professional level would give him a unique skill set for developing young talent at the college level. His familiarity with the program and strong ties to the state make him a natural fit for the position. Jensen would undoubtedly be the home run hire, but the recruiting staff around him would also be important. There has already been communication between the two parties.”
According to Jason Batacao of Salt Lake Tribune, there’s a good chance that hiring Jensen “would invigorate boosters and, in turn, lead to more NIL money for the basketball program.”
Steve Wojciechowski
Steve Wojciechowski is a new name here, as Batacoa listed him, but perhaps the most intriguing. Wojo, who is currently leading the G-League Salt Lake City Stars, is only 48. He produced a 128-95 mark in seven years at Marquette while leading the Golden Eagles to two NCAA Tournament bids. He has a 49-41 record in one-plus seasons with the Stars.
Bucky McMillan
McMillan is an up-and-coming coach who has done an outstanding job at Samford. The 41-year-old has guided Samford to four 20-win seasons and a 2024 NCAA Tournament appearance. He owns a 98-47 overall record, two regular-season titles, and a conference tournament crown.
McMillan was chosen as the Southern Conference coach of the year in 2023-24. Samford is third in the SoCon this year with a 21-8 overall record.
Andre Miller
Miller also played under Majerus alongside Jensen for three seasons. The 48-year-old Miller spent 17 seasons in the NBA after being the Cleveland Cavaliers’ No. 8 overall pick in 1999. He has been an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he earned a reputation as a fantastic skills developer.
Miller has been the head coach of the Grand Rapids Gold for the past three seasons. He has an overall record of 51-90 with the Gold, including 21-18 this season. The Gold reached the semifinals of the G-League Showcase Tip-off Tournament in 2024-25.
From Bartel: “Miller’s experience as another former Runnin’ Ute, his successful NBA career, and his current coaching role would bring a lot of excitement to the program. His insight into player growth and his leadership qualities would be invaluable in returning the program to prominence. Now, Miller as a head coach candidate is one thing, but as an assistant coach would be another. Miller was willing to join Utah’s staff last year as an assistant and has maintained his willingness to do so.”
Johnie Bryant
Bryant played for the Utes from 2004-07 and is one of the program’s top 3-point shooters. He started his coaching career with the Jazz in 2014 and has been an associate head coach with New York (2020-24) and Cleveland (2024-25) since 2020.
“He is a rising name in coaching ranks,” wrote Brandon Judd of the Desert News said. “Bryant has spent the past decade as an assistant in the NBA, coaching with the Jazz and the Knicks prior to joining the Cavaliers as an associate head coach this season.He also has experience in player development and is well-respected at the NBA level.”
Bryce Drew
Drew is a three-time conference Coach of the Year. The 50-year-old is in their fifth season at Grand Canyon, posting four 20-win seasons. He is 114-38 at GCU, leading the Antetolopes to two WAC regular season titles, three conference tournament titles, and three NCAA berths. The Antelopes are currently in second place in the 2024-25 WAC standings.
Drew owns a career record of 278-146 with 11 total conference titles (six regular season and five conference tournament crowns) and six NCAA Tourney trips (1-6).
“There is a benefit to hiring someone who’s been a high-major coach before and who has recruited at that level; don’t forget that Drew brought Darius Garland and Aaron Nesmith to Nashville,” The Athletic wrote of Drew’s potential fit at Utah.
Chris Gerlufsen
Chris Gerlufsen is in his third year at San Francisco and has been in the college ranks since 2000. The 48-year-old has directed USF to three straight 20-win seasons and is 72-37 overall. The Dons made the NIT last season and are in a position to receive another postseason bid this year.
Richard Pitino
Pitino has extensive college coaching and head coach experience. The 42-year-old son of Rick Pitino has been a head coach since 2012-13. After beginning his head coach journey at FIU (one season), Pitino coached in Minnesota for eight years and has been in New Mexico for the past four seasons. He owns a 242-183 career record with three NCAA Tournament appearances (1-3).
Pitino has directed the Lobos to three straight 20-win seasons, including 2024-25, and led them to the 2023-24 Mountain West Conference Tournament title. The Lobos are 22-6 on the season and sit tied with Utah State atop the conference standings.
A counterpoint to hiring Pitino, Batacao believes that “hiring another Mountain West head coach might be a hard sell for Utah’s boosters, especially since Smith came from Utah State four seasons ago.”
Eric Olen
Eric Olen is only 44 years old, though he has been a head coach since 2013 and a college coach since 2004. He has spent his entire career at UC San Diego, posting a 234-118 record. Since the Tritons moved up to Division I in 2020-21, Olen has led UCSD to back-to-back 20-win campaigns (75-62 DI record) and a CBI appearance last season.
” If we’re strictly talking coaching acumen, Olen merits consideration,” Brenden Marks and CJ Marks of The Athletic said. “His Tritons are 24-4 this season, one of the best mid-major teams in America and a potential Cinderella in the NCAA Tournament because of their sturdy offense (No. 50 in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency rankings) and propensity for turning teams over.”
Talvin Hester
Hester is a long-time college basketball assistant who has been the head coach at Louisiana Tech since 2022. The 46-year-old has a 55-38 record with the Bulldogs, but he has yet to reach the postseason.
Leon Rice
Rice has done a fantastic job at Boise State. But it is hard to imagine the 61-year-old leaving the Broncos after 15 seasons. He has a record of 309-174 and four NCAA Tournament appearances. Additionally, BSU has claimed two MWC regular-season titles and a conference tournament crown under him.
Porter Moser
Moser is the most experienced head coach on this list. The 64-year-old is in his fourth season at Oklahoma, where he is 16 games above .500 (71-55). While Oklahoma has won at least 15 games in each of Moser’s campaigns in Norman, he has not led the Sooners to a NCAA berth. However, the Sooners are technically still alive for a Tourney bid this year with a 17-10 record.
Overall, Moser has compiled 364-297 record. He has only made two NCAA Tournament appearances though he did lead upstart Loyola-Chicago to the Final Four in 2018.
Jeff Hornacek
Hornacek is an interesting name due to his high NBA pedigree. The 61-year-old has head coaching experience in the NBA and played and coached in Salt Lake City with the Jazz. He has a 161-261 career record as a head coach but has been out of the business since 2022. In addition, he has not coached at the collegiate level.
Cody Fueger
Fueger is a Utah graduate who got his start in coaching as a video coordinator/student assistant with the Utes in 2002. From 2007 to 2015, he was Director of Basketball Operations for several programs before becoming a full-time assistant in 20215. He has been an assistant coach at Utah Valley and BYU before joining Kentucky’s staff this summer.
Chris Burgess
Burgess is a Provo (Utah) native and played at Utah from 2000-02. He played for international basketball for over a decade and has been an assistant college coach since 2015. His coaching stops have been at Utah Valley, Utah (2020-22) and BYU (2022-present).
Who Should The Utah Utes Hire?
Jensen appears to be the favorite here. However, if Jensen is not interested, Miller could be the next choice. However, I also like Wojchiewoski, followed by Bryant, Gerlufsen, Drew, and McMillan here, possibly better than Miller. Miller as an assistant under Jensen or whoever would be a home run.
Photo Courtesy of © Russell Lansford, Imagn Images
