Craig Smith serves as the head coach of the Utah Utes men’s basketball team. Appointed on March 27, 2021, Smith brings extensive experience and a proven track record.
Before joining Utah, he led Utah State to three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths and two Mountain West Conference Tournament championships. His inspiring leadership has made him a respected figure in college basketball.
Smith’s career began as an assistant for Tim Miles at several schools, including North Dakota State and Nebraska. Later, he managed to build a strong reputation at South Dakota and Utah State.
His outstanding performance at Utah State, where he compiled a 74-24 record, continues to impress fans and experts alike.
With his current six-year, $12.6 million contract with the Utah Utes, Smith’s net worth becomes a topic of interest. This substantial contract reflects his invaluable role and achievements in college basketball. For more details on his journey, visit the Wikipedia page about Craig Smith.
Who Is Craig Smith?
Craig Smith is the head coach for the Utah Utes men’s basketball team. His career has taken him through various coaching roles across different states. This section provides details about his background, including his upbringing, college playing career, current residence, and family life.
Where Did Craig Smith Grow Up?
Craig Smith grew up in Stephen, Minnesota. This small town fostered his early love for sports, especially basketball and football.
Smith attended Northern State University where he developed his coaching skills under legendary coach Don Meyer.
Stephen’s tight-knit community played a significant role in shaping his values and work ethic. These early influences set the stage for his later success in coaching. Smith often credits his hometown for giving him a solid foundation in teamwork and perseverance.
Where Did Craig Smith Play College Basketball?
Craig Smith attended the University of North Dakota, where he played college basketball. During his time there, he was known for his strong defensive skills and leadership on the court.
Although he wasn’t a superstar player, he showed qualities that would later make him an effective coach.
After finishing his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, he stayed on to complete a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning. His academic background bolstered his knowledge and was a stepping stone to his coaching career.
Where Does Craig Smith Live?
Craig Smith currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. As the head coach of the Utah Utes, residing in the city makes it easier for him to focus on coaching duties and interact with the basketball community.
Salt Lake City offers a strategic location for recruiting and other basketball operations.
Smith moved to Utah when he took over the coaching job, succeeding after a successful stint at Utah State. The city’s vibrant sports culture aligns well with his coaching philosophy and lifestyle.
Who Is Craig Smith Married To?
Craig Smith is married to Darcy, his long-time partner. The couple shares a deep bond and has three children together: Landon, Brady, and Carson.
Darcy has been a supportive figure throughout his coaching career, often attending games and events with their family.
Family life plays a significant role for Smith, and he frequently mentions how important his family is to his success. They often spend time together despite the demanding schedule that comes with being a head coach, balancing professional and personal life effectively.
Craig Smith Professional Career
Craig Smith has built a notable career in college basketball through various coaching roles, leading teams to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. His achievements have garnered him significant recognition within the coaching community.
What Teams Has Craig Smith Previously Coached For?
Craig Smith has an extensive coaching history. He began his head coaching career at Mayville State from 2004 to 2007.
Later, he was the head coach at South Dakota from 2014 to 2018. He then moved to Utah State, leading the Utah State Aggies from 2018 to 2021.
As an assistant coach, he worked at North Dakota State, Colorado State, and Nebraska under Tim Miles.
What Team Is Craig Smith Currently Coaching For?
Since March 27, 2021, Craig Smith has been the head coach for the Utah Utes men’s basketball team.
He is tasked with steering the Utes in the competitive Pac-12 conference. His role includes overseeing the coaching staff and developing the roster, which currently includes standout players like Branden Carlson.
Does Craig Smith Want To Coach In The NBA?
Craig Smith has not publicly stated a desire to coach in the NBA. His focus has been on making significant contributions to college basketball and nurturing young talent.
His commitment is evident from his past and current roles, particularly his work in guiding teams like Utah State and Utah to higher success levels.
What Are Craig Smith Future Prospects?
Craig Smith’s future in college basketball appears bright. Given his track record, he is likely to continue leading the Utah Utes men’s basketball program to more conference championships and NCAA tournament berths.
His ability to develop a winning culture and achieve significant milestones indicates his potential for even higher positions within the NCAA or possibly an NBA opportunity if it aligns with his career goals.
Craig Smith Major Achievements And Awards
Craig Smith has earned multiple accolades, including the Mountain West Conference Tournament championships and several Coach of the Year honors.
He was recognized as DAC Coach of the Year and NAIA II National Coach of the Year during his tenure at Mayville State.
At Utah State, he led the Aggies to three NCAA tournaments and won Conference Coach of the Year honors.
Similar Coaches To Craig Smith
Coaches with similar career paths and styles include Tim Miles, who has also navigated through various assistant and head coaching roles across different schools.
Other contemporaries might include coaches like Tad Boyle of Colorado and Bobby Hurley of Arizona State, both of whom lead teams in the high-stakes environment of the Pac-12 conference.
These coaches share a strong focus on developing players and achieving success in NCAA postseason play.
How Does Craig Smith Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
Craig Smith navigates both the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) world and the transfer portal with strategic acumen. These tools help him build a competitive team despite recent challenges.
Craig Smith And Transfer Portal
Craig Smith has been clear about embracing the transfer portal. He views it as an essential part of modern college basketball.
Recently, Smith lost eight significant players in April, which forced him to rely on the portal to rebuild his roster for the upcoming Big 12 season.
This tactic is not new for him; several key players rejoined the team after initially entering the portal, showing a level of trust in his leadership.
Smith’s proactive stance on the portal has kept Utah’s team competitive, particularly while transitioning to a new conference. His transparency about the portal’s role underscores his adaptable and forward-thinking coaching style.
Craig Smith And NIL Money
The impact of NIL money on college basketball has been significant.
Craig Smith has adopted NIL deals to ensure his players benefit financially while still competing at a high level.
By supporting their opportunities to profit from their name, image, and likeness, Smith secures their loyalty and attracts new talent.
He understands that athletes now look for programs where they can maximize their earnings.
This approach not only improves player satisfaction but also strengthens the team’s recruiting efforts, making Utah an appealing place for top talent.
How Much Is Craig Smith’s Contract For?
Craig Smith’s contract with the University of Utah is a multi-million dollar deal stretching over six years. It includes substantial annual salaries and various performance-related bonuses.
How Much Does Craig Smith Make In Salary Per Year?
Craig Smith’s base salary as head coach of the Utah Utes men’s basketball team starts at around $1,800,000 for the 2021-22 season and increases each year.
By the final year of his six-year contract, his annual salary reaches $2,100,000. These figures include compensation for public appearances and media commitments, which are integral parts of his role.
Contract Breakdown by Year:
- Year 1 (2021-22): $1,800,000
- Year 2 (2022-23): $1,900,000
- Year 3 (2023-24): $2,000,000
- Year 4 (2024-25): $2,100,000
- Year 5 and 6: Increases continue similarly
The salary is determined through discussions between Craig Smith and the University of Utah’s athletic director, Mark Harlan.
How Much Does Craig Smith Make In Incentives Per Year?
Aside from the base salary, Craig Smith’s contract includes various performance incentives. These can significantly boost his earnings.
Incentives cover achievements such as reaching the NCAA tournament, winning conference titles, and maintaining high team academic performance. Each successful milestone can earn Smith bonuses starting from $25,000.
In addition to performance bonuses, the contract has clauses that cover buyout terms, deferred compensation, and potential termination scenarios, such as force majeure events like a pandemic.
These economic safety nets ensure financial stability in unpredictable situations.
What Is Craig Smith Net Worth?
Craig Smith, head coach of the Utah Utes men’s basketball team, has a contract that reflects his high stature in college basketball.
His current contract, signed in 2021, spans six years and is worth approximately $12.6 million.
Over this six-year period, Smith’s annual salary is around $1.85 million.
Breakdown of Craig Smith’s Contract
- Annual Salary: $1.85 million
- Total Contract Value: $12.6 million over six years
Smith took the reins at Utah after serving as the head coach at Utah State, where he compiled a record of 74-24. His impressive career record stands at 225-108 over ten seasons as a collegiate head coach.
Notable Achievements
Smith’s successful tenure includes leading Utah State to the 2021 NCAA tournament.
His coaching prowess and ability to develop players have significantly contributed to his net worth and contract value.
For more details on Craig Smith’s contract with the Utah Utes, visit the article on KSL.