The University of Utah has parted ways with head basketball coach Craig Smith, the program announced on Monday.
Assistant coach Josh Eilert will serve as Utah’s interim head coach moving forward.
“I want to thank Craig for his work and commitment since he arrived in Salt Lake City,” Utah athletic director Mark 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 regularly compete in the NCAA Tournament.
“After evaluating our program under Craig’s leadership, I believe a change is needed to get us to where we want to go. The time is now to begin that process, and we will surround Coach Eilert, the staff and our student-athletes with support as they continue with their season.”
Smith will end his tenure with the Runnin' Utes with zero NCAA Tournament appearances and a 7-9 record in Big 12 play. Utah lost to UCF 76-72 in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday.
The Runnin' Utes were coming off back to back wins over Kansas and Kansas State before the loss. Utah hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2016.
Harlan says a national search is underway.
“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,” Harlan said. “And our investments will only grow. I am confident that our national search, which has already begun, will lead us to the right coach to take our storied program back to national prominence. We wish Craig and his family the very best.”
This breaking story will be updated.
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