Utah basketball is buzzing with change this year. Just as the 2024-25 college season progresses, the University of Utah has made a big announcement: Coach Craig Smith is out after nearly four years. This marks another challenging season for the Runnin’ Utes, who are trying to break a nine-season dry spell without an NCAA tournament appearance.
During his time, Smith had a record of 65-62, improving the Utes’ performance each year in his first three seasons. However, this year, they are hovering just above .500 in their inaugural Big 12 season. Although they recently celebrated a notable win against Kansas and managed to secure victories over rival BYU, their struggles in key matchups leave them with a 3-9 record in crucial Quad 1 games. These challenges led to the decision for a change in leadership. Josh Eilert, a former assistant at West Virginia, will step in as interim coach for the rest of the season.
With Smith’s exit, the focus shifts to potential candidates for the permanent head coaching position. Here are some intriguing names that could be in the mix:
Alex Jensen – Dallas Mavericks Assistant Coach
Jensen isn’t new to the idea of coaching the Utes. He played for Utah and has deep connections to the area. He previously assisted with the Utah Jazz and now works with the Dallas Mavericks. Jensen is known for his skills in player development, making him a strong candidate for the role.
Andre Miller – Grand Rapids Gold Head Coach
Miller is a former Ute who played a significant role in Utah’s glory days in the late ’90s. As a leader on the court and now the head coach of the G League’s Grand Rapids Gold, he has built a reputation for developing talent and fostering teamwork. Bringing him back to Utah could excite fans eager for a tournament return.
Johnnie Bryant – Cleveland Cavaliers Associate Head Coach
Bryant is another former Ute, making his mark as an assistant coach in the NBA. He has spent years honing his coaching strategy and is well-liked for his focus on player development. His rising status in the coaching world makes him a name to watch for the Utes’ head coach position.
Richard Pitino – New Mexico Lobos Head Coach
Currently leading New Mexico with impressive results, including an NCAA tournament appearance, Pitino has a solid coaching resume. With past experience in the Big Ten, he knows how to attract talent and build competitive teams, making him a viable option for Utah.
Bryce Drew – Grand Canyon Lopes Head Coach
Drew has been successful at Grand Canyon, guiding the team to the NCAA tournament three times in the last four years. His background also includes experience at Vanderbilt, where he led the team to the tournament. Utah might find him an appealing candidate if they wish to strengthen their roster further.
Additionally, a few other names have surfaced as potential dark horses. Cody Fueger of Kentucky has solid experience but lacks head coaching experience. Meanwhile, BYU’s Chris Burgess has made a name for himself as an assistant, but his recent movement through various programs might affect his candidacy. Lastly, Porter Moser of Oklahoma, previously a hot name in coaching, might also be considered if he finds himself available eventually.
As the Utes navigate this coaching change, the hope is to rediscover their path to tournament glory. The coming weeks will reveal how the team adapts and who will take the reins moving forward.
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