The University of Utah reportedly owes former men's basketball head coach Craig Smith approximately $5 million after firing him, as his contract was fully guaranteed. Smith signed a six-year, $12.6 million deal in 2021,

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, who were picked dead last in the Big 12’s preseason media poll, finishing as high as sixth or seventh place.