Social media reacts to Utah firing Craig Smith before the end of the season

The majority of fans and analyst are questioning the direction of the program

Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

The decision to fire Utah men’s basketball head coach Craig Smith sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many questioning the move and speculating on the program’s future.

Smith, who was let go on Monday after nearly four seasons with the Utes, leaves with a 65-62 record and without an NCAA tournament appearance. While Utah secured impressive Big 12 wins over Kansas and Kansas State this month, the program’s struggles in conference play and its lack of postseason success ultimately led to his dismissal.

Some analysts and fans expressed shock at the timing of Smith’s firing. Others called it “beyond wild timing,” while a few questioned why Utah would make this move when Smith appeared to be guiding the team in the right direction.

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This has little to do with Craig Smith’s coaching. This is one of those few times that nobody in his right mind would take this job without saying, “Show me the (NIL) money.” Coaching the team has much less to do with success today than ever before. @UtahMBB

— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) February 24, 2025

Others pointed to Utah’s NIL situation as a major roadblock, with ESPN's Fran Fraschilla arguing that success in today’s college basketball landscape is more about resources than coaching ability.

Craig Smith didn’t lose his job, it was stolen from him.

— Andrew Garrett (@AndrewGGarrett) February 25, 2025

Many supporters of Smith highlighted his success at Utah State and felt he was not given a fair chance in Salt Lake City. A few noted his accomplishments with the Aggies, with the latter calling the task of reviving Utah basketball a “Herculean achievement.” Some even floated the idea of Smith returning to Utah State if the job opens up stating, “Call Craig Smith, see if he wants to come back.”

If Jerrod Calhoun gets another job, Utah State shouldn’t even hold interviews. Call Craig Smith see if he wants to come back, if he does then it’s his job. Should be that simple. https://t.co/U9sFcx2kd0

— Sean Paul (@SeanPaulCBB) February 24, 2025

If Utah is firing Craig Smith, their MBB coach WITHOUT cause and a winning record halfway through his third season, this is going to be the craziest #searchSZN of all time…

A lot of athletic administrators who are out of touch with the times are going to be surprised…… pic.twitter.com/TW81VesigQ

— LeBrohm (@FrozoneFlores) February 24, 2025

I will go down with the ship saying I think Craig Smith is one of the best coaches in the country.

Obviously, I'm biased. He resurrected Utah State basketball, and for that, I will forever be grateful to him.

Resurrecting Utah basketball is a Herculean achievement. https://t.co/6s8xAgUQuw

— Braden “Brady” Clark (@BradenTClark) February 24, 2025

Meanwhile, others questioned whether Utah could realistically find a better replacement. Smith was called an “above average coach” and laughed at the idea that the Utes could do better.

Craig Smith's name needs to be on @bcmbb's shortlist:

He revived an irrelevant Utah St. team and overachieved at Utah with no NIL collective and broken fan support. https://t.co/D59jRjNjbD

— Anthony Smith (@anthony_smith89) February 25, 2025

Why on earth would Utah fire Craig Smith now? Beyond wild timing.

Big fan of Craig, I think he’s a great coach. Always going to be grateful for the work he did in bringing Aggie basketball back to the forefront.

— Tyler Creer (@t_creer54) February 24, 2025

With the job now open, the conversation has shifted toward Utah’s next steps and whether they have the NIL backing to compete in the Big 12. Two possible candidates have deep ties to Utah and each would be a 'home run' hire. Alex Jensen and Andre Miller could breathe life back into the program and help revamp them on the national scene.