BREAKING: U of U hires Craig Smith as head coach
This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
10:20 a.m. update:
The University of Utah confirmed the hiring of coach Craig Smith in a press release Saturday morning.
Welcome to Salt Lake City, Coach Smith!
📰 >> https://t.co/27b2NcRo7t #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/VG1jpYMRG8
— Utah Basketball🏀 (@UtahMBB) March 27, 2021
USU athletic director John Hartwell released a statement, saying he thanks Smith and his family for their “significant contributions to Utah State University.” Hartwell also said the open coaching position at Utah State is “extremely attractive” and has generated “tremendous interest.” He said they will work quickly and efficiently to fill the spot.
— USU Men’s Hoops (@USUBasketball) March 27, 2021
Multiple sources reported that Utah State coach Craig Smith is being hired as the University of Utah’s new men’s basketball head coach.
The first inklings of a move came Friday afternoon, when KSL Sports reported that New York Knicks associate coach Johnnie Bryant had withdrawn his name from consideration. KSL reported that focus had shifted solely to Craig Smith.
College basketball journalist Jon Rothstein was the first to report the deal Saturday morning.
Sources: Utah State’s Craig Smith is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach at Utah. Official announcement expected soon.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 27, 2021
These reports were quickly confirmed by Jeff Borzello at ESPN and Jeff Goodman at Stadium.
The Salt Lake Tribune also confirmed the hiring shortly thereafter.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a USU alumnus, shared his thoughts on the news via Twitter.
Not gonna lie, this one hurts a little. But as I told Mark Harlan this morning, I couldn’t be happier for Craig and that we get to keep him in state. Ute fans, I promise he’s even better than you think. Congratulations—you’re going to win a lot of games. (Oh, and #GoAggies) https://t.co/AvCafs6ecp
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) March 27, 2021
Utah recently fired Larry Krystkowiak after 10 seasons and missing the NCAA tournament for the last five seasons.
At USU, Smith had recently been signed to a contract extension lasting six years and worth $5.025 million.
—alek.nelson@usu.edu
@nelsonalek