"Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated" - The Rivalry Thread

[BigFatMeanie]

When Utah beat KSU and KU I think Harlan who planned to fire Smith at the end of the season was worried the utes could suddenly go on a late season roll and possibly even make a run in the conference tournament that would make it more controversial to fire him so he did it now, even if firing a coach during the season is pretty much universally perceived as bush league.That's my theory.

Your theory is better than any other I’ve heard.

[byufan4ever]

When Utah beat KSU and KU I think Harlan who planned to fire Smith at the end of the season was worried the utes could suddenly go on a late season roll and possibly even make a run in the conference tournament that would make it more controversial to fire him so he did it now, even if firing a coach during the season is pretty much universally perceived as bush league.That's my theory.

They were afraid of a NC State type run lol

[BlueK]

They were afraid of a NC State type run lol

Wouldn't have had to have been that good. Just fnish pretty strong and risk having to deal with the criticism and at least some sizeable portion of fans who don't agree with it.

[MartyFunkhouser]

When Utah beat KSU and KU I think Harlan who planned to fire Smith at the end of the season was worried the utes could suddenly go on a late season roll and possibly even make a run in the conference tournament that would make it more controversial to fire him so he did it now, even if firing a coach during the season is pretty much universally perceived as bush league.That's my theory.

I think that Josh Grant's theory on the timing makes some sense. You wait until the end of the season, the players are quickly in the portal. You do this now and you have a few weeks to try to retain players before the portal opens. Who knows, it is still weird timing. It bothers me that Smith was fired and not Harlan. I don't think Harlan is making the hire this time. I think the boosters are going to tell him who to hire. I really think Alex Jensen ends up at Utah. There are also rumors that Andre Miller approached Smith multiple times about being an assistant coach and was turned down. If true, I could see Jensen coming on staff with Miller as an assistant coach.

In reality, the coach doesn't matter that much. What matters is that Utah needs NIL funding. If boosters aren't willing to significantly improve the NIL available, nothing is going to change. Even then, it might be really a challenge. Utah Prep is a greater feeder of talent, but BYU will have the advantage recruiting from there even if the funds are equal. Lots of BYU ties at Utah Prep.

[Jeff Lebowski]

When Utah beat KSU and KU I think Harlan who planned to fire Smith at the end of the season was worried the utes could suddenly go on a late season roll and possibly even make a run in the conference tournament that would make it more controversial to fire him so he did it now, even if firing a coach during the season is pretty much universally perceived as bush league.That's my theory.

That would be an incredibly stupid way to handle the situation. But you are probably right.

[BlueK]

That would be an incredibly stupid way to handle the situation. But you are probably right.

I don't think Harlan is the brightest bulb on the AD tree. Also don't think Smith was doing that badly considering he inherited a complete dumpster fire.

[Applejack]

I don't think Harlan is the brightest bulb on the AD tree. Also don't think Smith was doing that badly considering he inherited a complete dumpster fire.

I've got to jump in here! Not "doing that badly?" If "solid nit team" is the metric, than you are correct! Utah has never even been on the bubble during the smith epoch. Not once! He is the worst recruiter in Utah history (I blame the baldness), and one of the least innovative offensive coaches I have yet met.

He seems like a good guy and is harmless (hence, the love for him around here), but having your offense flow thru a 7 footer who shoots in the high 30s on free throws is coaching malpractice. Every coach in the big 12 (with one glaring exception) takes advantage of the fact that Lovering cannot shoot FTs and punishes us with seven minutes left. Against Kansas, he ran four straight plays where Lovering got a touch at the three point line when Kansas was fouling intentionally! Luckily, Lovering went 7 for 12 in that game or we lose and we'd be talking about the downfall of the Craig smith regime one week earlier.

rule of thumb: if byu or Utah fans are sad to
see a coach depart from their rival, it was long overdue! Long live coach sitake!

[beefytee]

Not sad at all. Good for Utah, turning the coaching carousel!

May they wallow in the mediocrity!

[Moliere]

Utah fans have an over inflated sense of program relevance. Just because they had a good 10 year run by beating up on lowly WAC teams to an over inflated record doesn’t mean you should be a perennial contender for the final four. They should be happy they are mediocre and glad they don’t still suck.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Utah fans have an over inflated sense of program relevance. Just because they had a good 10 year run by beating up on lowly WAC teams to an over inflated record doesn’t mean you should be a perennial contender for the final four. They should be happy they are mediocre and glad they don’t still suck.

If you really want to talk about beating up lowly teams on the way to a inflated record, let's talk Lavell Edwards. Actually, let's not, I don't want to speak ill of the dead.

[Applejack]

I don't think Harlan is the brightest bulb on the AD tree. Also don't think Smith was doing that badly considering he inherited a complete dumpster fire.

But I agree that Harlan needs to go.

[Omaha 680]

If you really want to talk about beating up lowly teams on the way to a inflated record, let's talk Lavell Edwards. Actually, let's not, I don't want to speak ill of the dead.

They both beat up on lowly teams but only one was able to parlay that into a national championship.

[BigFatMeanie]

And the Utes hire Alex Jensen as their new head coach:

https://www.ksl.com/article/51261007...ext-head-coach

I guess they hope he can bring some magic back to that dump they play in. I wonder if this is who Harlan really wanted to hire or if it’s who the boosters forced him to hire?

[BlueK]

And the Utes hire Alex Jensen as their new head coach:

https://www.ksl.com/article/51261007...ext-head-coach

I guess they hope he can bring some magic back to that dump they play in. I wonder if this is who Harlan really wanted to hire or if it’s who the boosters forced him to hire?

I also wonder if Jensen is looking at the success of Kevin Young as a factor toward deciding to do it. He's not seemed interested in coaching in college before

[Donuthole]

I also wonder if Jensen is looking at the success of Kevin Young as a factor toward deciding to do it. He's not seemed interest in coaching in college before

Also, the Mavs are a sinking ship. Probably a smart time to jump.