On Tuesday, Utah announced that it was parting ways with men’s basketball coach Larry Krystkowiak after his 10th year on the job. The Utes finished 12-13 (8-11 Pac-12) this season and last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2016.
Krystkowiak’s departure comes just days after the Utes fell in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Tournament to USC, 91-85. The loss finished Utah’s season at 12-13, its first losing campaign since 2013.
After a rough few years, Krystkowiak had a nice run in 2015 and 2016 with a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances — including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2015 that ended with a loss to eventual national champion Duke. Krystkowiak’s total record at Utah is 183-139, including a 91-90 record in Pac-12 play.
Krystkowiak has two years and roughly $7 million left on his contract. But in the end, Mark Harlan, Utah’s athletic director, felt the buyout was needed to turn the program around.
“Today, I informed head men’s basketball coach Larry Krystkowiak that I am making a change in the leadership of our men’s basketball program,” athletic director Mark Harlan said. “The decision comes after a thorough evaluation of the program — both on an off the court — as I do with every head coach at the conclusion of their seasons. Ultimately, our program needs a new voice, a new vision and a new leader who can build upon Larry’s foundation and lead us to great heights in the years ahead.”
Here’s how the media, fans and players reacted to the news:
Woah. Big job https://t.co/cmQhTWQjAT
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) March 16, 2021
Five years without an NCAA bid is too long at Utah, but it's worth noting that Larry Krystkowiak did some great things durning the first half of his tenure.
— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) March 16, 2021
The momentum gradually fizzled the last few years and it was probably time for a change. While Larry always struck me as a genuinely good man, Utah cannot be the third best team in its own state.
— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) March 17, 2021
Whether you agree or disagree with the decision, and many fans agree, Harlan gets high marks for decisiveness. In contrast to, for instance, the Arizona administration https://t.co/DIQpailGAS
— Jon Wilner (@wilnerhotline) March 16, 2021
😯
— Plummer 👌🏾 (@AlfonsoPlummer9) March 16, 2021
😧😪
— Rylan Jones (@rylanjones15) March 17, 2021
Great day to be a Ute??? https://t.co/8UEJdC0AxA
— Justin Giles (@JustinGiles_) March 16, 2021
Just heard the news about Larry Krystkowiak. Guess we know what the University of Utah is doing with its stimulus check.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) March 17, 2021
Does this mean Larry Krystkowiak has entered the NCAA transfer portal?
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) March 17, 2021
Wouldn’t it be just awesome if #LarryK buyout was $80k?
— Jonathan Tavernari (@For3JT) March 17, 2021
Utah fires men's basketball coach Larry Krystkowiak. He will be owed a buyout of $6.625 million, subject to duty to mitigate.
— Steve Berkowitz (@ByBerkowitz) March 17, 2021
Going 45-42 over the last 3 years is a problem. Missing the NCAA Tournament 5 years in a row while the new coach at USU goes 3 for 3 and the new coach at BYU goes 2 for 2 can’t be explained away. https://t.co/M3AsvBFEXQ
— David James (@DavidDJJames) March 16, 2021
Mark Pope will look good in red though…
— Sean O'Connell (@realOCsports) March 16, 2021
Craig Smith, Niko Medved, Randy Bennett among the names floating around at this early-juncture.
For a lot of reasons, Utah is an attractive job.
— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) March 16, 2021
Job #1 of the new coach is to keep Martinez in the fold
— KiYi (@Uteman_forever) March 17, 2021
Tough move @MarkHarlan_AD but it’s the right decision. Wish Larry all the best.
— beehiveute (@beehiveute) March 16, 2021
Utah has made the Sweet 16 at least once per decade since the 50s and I’d like for that to continue thanks.
— Oaky Afterbirth (@DearOldCrimson) March 17, 2021
I’m just grateful we’re not content being the 3rd best team in this state and middle to lower end of the Pac12. This program is TOO GOOD historically and too proud to let this crap go on. Now let’s find us a coach that can retake the damn throne 👑
— Salt Lake Jake (@SaltLakeJake) March 16, 2021
I know the last few years weren’t very good, but overall Utah had more positives than negatives in Larry krystkowiak’s 10 years.
He should be remembered fondly when fans look at Utah basketball history.
Let’s remember he took over a team so bad they lost to Adams St.
— Tony Parks (@tonyparks801) March 17, 2021
.@LKrystkowiak Thank you for everything coach! Thanks for everything you did for the program. Lots of great moments. BT over Gabe York being my favorite. Best of luck with what’s next. We’ll be rooting you on and know you’ll do well. Go Utes!
— Tanner Martin (@TanMart03) March 16, 2021
This may be an unpopular opinion (or maybe not) but since the NCAA clearly doesn't care about big time cheating, maybe Utah hoops should hire the biggest and most savvy cheater they can find. That's the sport now, so might as well be good at it. #ImNotCynicalAtAll
— Dan Sorensen (@DSorensen) March 16, 2021
As a person, Larry K was nothing but class.
As a coach, something was wrong. There was a disconnect.
— Tom Hackett (@TomCantHackett) March 16, 2021
With a much more reasonable buyout, of course.
— UtePilot (@ute_pilot) March 16, 2021
No it's not. Get ready for the entire team to transfer
— Matthew Castleton (@operaman86) March 16, 2021
This would be a home run of all home runs. https://t.co/9lmqIlps7g
— JeepingUte (@JeepingUte) March 17, 2021
Top initial names to watch in the #UteNation basketball coaching search:
-Alex Jensen (might be tough)
-Porter Moser (Majerus protege)
-Johnnie Bryant (my favorite)— Alex Markham (@AMarkhamRivals) March 16, 2021
KEITH VAN HORN TO UTAH
— MUSSEMERITUS (@MUSSemeritus) March 16, 2021
I for one, am excited for the future.
— UteDaddy (@utedaddy) March 17, 2021
Utah athletics acts fast guys. pic.twitter.com/v6Ag46Gyov
— Tanner Martin (@TanMart03) March 16, 2021
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