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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