University of Utah Fires Head Basketball Coach Craig Smith

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The University of Utah has officially parted ways with men’s basketball head coach Craig Smith. Assistant coach Josh Eilert will take over for the remainder of the season as the program begins its search for a new leader.

Utah Athletics Director Mark Harlan expressed appreciation for Smith’s contributions but emphasized the need for a change to elevate the program’s success in the Big 12 and on the national stage.

“I want to thank Craig for his dedication and passion in building this team. He’s given us some incredible moments and has worked tirelessly for this program,” Harlan said. “However, our goal is to be a consistent NCAA Tournament contender, and after evaluating the team’s progress, I believe now is the time to make a change.”

Smith, who was hired from Utah State in 2018, compiled a 65-62 record during his tenure with the Utes. In their inaugural Big 12 season, the team currently holds a 15-12 overall record and sits in 10th place in the conference. The Utes were projected to finish last in the conference but managed to outperform expectations, securing wins over Kansas, Kansas State, and in-state rival BYU.

Despite a promising 2023-24 season that saw Utah reach the NIT Final Four with a 22-15 record, Smith was unable to guide the program to an NCAA Tournament appearance. Utah has not qualified for March Madness since 2016, a growing frustration among supporters and NIL donors who have reportedly scaled back contributions compared to other Big 12 programs.

Smith’s contract, signed in 2021, guarantees him a $5 million buyout. His departure marks another shake-up in Utah’s basketball program as the team continues to seek a return to national prominence.

Eilert, who joined the Utes before the 2024-25 season, brings a wealth of experience from his 17-year tenure at West Virginia, where he served in various coaching roles. Most recently, he was the Mountaineers’ interim head coach for the 2023-24 season. During his time in Morgantown, West Virginia made 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four run in 2010.

Utah has four games left in the regular season, beginning with a road matchup at #22 Arizona, before heading into the Big 12 Tournament. The Utes will also host West Virginia on March 4 for Senior Night .

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