Kansas dropped its only game to Craig Smith and Utah just days ago, but on Monday the Utes fired their fourth-year head basketball coach.

Over three days, the Runnin' Utes defeated Kansas and Kansas State in Salt Lake City. Both of those programs reportedly have bigger NIL budgets than the Utes. So Utah’s head coach — who may have even saved his own job with the victories — took a confident victory lap following the program’s momentous wins.

The University of Utah has fired head basketball coach Craig Smith, according to a report from the Fieldof68’s Jeff Goodman. BREAKING: Utah is parting ways with Craig Smith, source told @TheFieldOf68. Strange timing. Utah is 7-9 in the Big 12.

The Utah Runnin’ Utes capped off an impressive stretch by securing a hard-fought 74-69 victory over Kansas State, marking their second win in three days

Immediate reaction to Kansas State’s basketball loss in Salt Lake City — and the NCAA Tournament implications.

The Utah Utes (15-11, 7-8 Big 12) are looking to end a four-game road losing streak when they visit the UCF Knights (13-13, 4-11 Big 12) on Sunday, February 23

Utah had momentum heading into its matchup with UCF at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando Sunday. The Runnin’ Utes were coming off back-to-back victories over Kansas and Kansas State, arguably Utah’s best stretch in its young Big 12 history.

It was an opportunity wasted. The Runnin' Utes had two wins over the Kansas schools and had some momentum going into the final stretch of the regular season.

Colorado had Utah's number last season, beating the Utes in Boulder, 49-24. Utah will be much improved in 2025, but Colorado can still win in Salt Lake City. Both of these teams went 5-7 overall last season and are eager for a better 2025. The winner of this game will help its cause considerably.

Craig Smith is out at Utah. The Utes split with their head coach on Monday afternoon, the school announced. The move comes as Smith was set to wrap up his fourth campaign with the program this spring,