The University of Utah has made the decision to part ways with head men’s basketball coach Craig Smith, according to multiple sources. This decision comes after a disappointing season in which the team has struggled significantly, culminating in a 3-10 record in the Pac-12 Conference and a 10-15 overall record. Smith, who took over as head coach in March 2021, was expected to rebuild the Runnin’ Utes program but faced challenges in executing his vision. ‘We believe that a change is necessary to move forward and improve our program,’ said Utah athletic director Mark Harlan in a statement. The university plans to initiate a nationwide search for Smith’s successor immediately. Harlan emphasized the importance of finding a coach who can bring renewed energy and success to the Runnin’ Utes. Smith’s tenure at Utah saw some notable victories; however, the overall performance did not meet the expectations set by the athletic department. As the university looks forward to the next chapter, discussions regarding potential candidates for the head coaching position have begun, with names likely to surface in the coming days. Additionally, players and fans alike are left pondering how this significant change will impact the future direction of the team’s program.
