The University of Utah fired men’s basketball coach Craig Smith a day after a 76-72 loss at Central Florida that dropped the Utes to 15-12 this season

At first blush, Utah’s decision to fire Craig Smith on Monday seemed odd. The Utes were one week removed from beating Kansas and Kansas State. They were a tick under .500 in Big 12 play, and they had a manageable stretch upcoming — so manageable that it was easy to envision the Utes,

The University of Utah fired men's basketball coach Craig Smith on Monday, a day after a 76-72 loss at Central Florida that dropped the Utes to 15-12 this season. Smith was in his fourth season in charge of the program.

Craig Smith's days as the head coach of the Utah men's basketball team have come to an end, according to multiple reports.

Utah fired men's basketball coach Craig Smith on Monday, a day after a 76-72 loss at Central Florida that dropped the Utes to 15-12 this season.

Why is this relevant for West Virginia fans? Well, two reasons, really. Firstly, the Mountaineers will be heading out to Utah this weekend for a two-game road trip, starting with

WATCH: Tommy Lloyd gets emotional when talking about Brady and Landon Smith, sons of former Utah Head Coach Craig Smith. Smith was fired Monday. Landon (Director of Operations) and Brady (Walk-on) were with the team in McKale tonight. pic.twitter.com/SEoiUIiwKH

Utah men's basketball coach Craig Smith was fired Monday with four games remaining in his fourth season at the school