The mud flows downhill. And so does the money. Utah athletics now has muddled through handing over nearly $7 million in leftover cash to former coach Larry Krystkowiak and now more than $4 million to the freshly-fired Smith, plus all the additional perks, on account of the fact that Smith had two-plus years remaining on his deal.

ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla believes Craig Smith’s firing from Utah had little to do with his coaching ability. Instead, Fraschilla pointed to the growing influence of NIL (Name, Image,

Utah is making an abrupt change to its men’s basketball program. The school announced Monday that it has parted ways with Runnin’ Utes head coach Craig Smith. Assistant coach Josh Eilert will serve as Utah’s interim head coach for the remainder of the current campaign.