One Huge 12 staff has determined to make a training change at an uncommon time.
The Utah Utes introduced Monday that they’re relieving head basketball coach Craig Smith of his duties. Assistant coach Josh Eilert will probably be taking up because the staff’s interim coach for the remainder of the season.
In an announcement saying Smith’s firing, Utah athletic director Mark Harlan mentioned, “After evaluating our program beneath Craig’s management, I imagine a change is required to get us to the place we need to go. The time is now to start that course of, and we’ll encompass our student-athletes, Coach Eilert and the employees with help as they proceed with their season.”
You’ll be able to learn the complete assertion right here.
Smith, 52, had been in cost at Utah since 2021. The choice by the college to fireplace him comes as a giant shock, particularly for the reason that Utes are a decent 15-12 this season and not too long ago obtained a giant win over No. 17-ranked Kansas on Feb. 15. There are presently solely 4 video games left within the common season for Utah as effectively.
However Smith, who finishes his Utah tenure with an general file of 65-62 (.512) by no means ended up main the staff to a single NCAA Event berth. The Utes are additionally simply 7-9 in convention play this season, their first within the Huge 12, so maybe the athletic division feels {that a} higher-upside coach is required to higher compete of their new convention.
In relation to potential replacements for Smith, it’s price noting that one former NBA guard who’s a Utah alum not too long ago went into teaching and is making a robust title for himself there.
