The Utes were one week removed from beating Kansas and Kansas State. They were a tick under .500 in Big 12 play, and they had a manageable stretch upcoming — so manageable that it was easy to envision the Utes, who were picked dead last in the Big 12’s preseason media poll, finishing as high as sixth or seventh place.

The University of Utah has parted ways with head basketball coach Craig Smith, the program announced on Monday.Assistant coach Josh Eilert will serve as Utah’s interim head coach moving forward.“I want to thank Craig for his work and commitment since he arrived in Salt Lake City,

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.