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.

Utah fired basketball coach Craig Smith on Monday, effective immediately. Assistant coach Josh Eilert will serve as interim head coach for the rest of the 2024-25 season. Smith had a 65-62 record with the Utes,