Utah fires men’s basketball coach Craig Smith in midst of 15-12 season

By Canadian Press on February 24, 2025.

The University of Utah fired men’s basketball coach Craig Smith on Monday, a day after a 76-72 loss at Central Florida that dropped the Utes to 15-12 this season.

Smith was in his fourth season in charge of the program. He was 65-62.

Smith will be replaced by assistant coach Josh Eilert on an interim basis as the school conducts a national search.

The Utes are 7-9 in the Big 12 Conference this season. The team advanced to the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament a season ago while in the Pac-12.

“He has led us to special moments and memorable victories, and Craig has poured his heart into building our current team,” athletic director Mark Harlan said in a statement. “However, we have greater aspirations for our men’s basketball program.”

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Pat Graham, The Associated Press

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