How BYU Got Craig Smith FIRED from Utah Basketball: NIL, Ryan Smith and Transfer Portal Nightmare

How BYU Got Craig Smith FIRED from Utah Basketball: NIL, Ryan Smith and Transfer Portal Nightmare

While the official reasons for Craig Smith’s firing from Utah State likely involve a combination of factors, it’s plausible that the intensity of the rivalry with BYU played a contributing role, even if indirectly. Here’s how that could have factored in:

Heightened Expectations:
Rivalry games carry immense weight, especially in a state like Utah where college basketball is deeply ingrained in the culture.
Losses to BYU, particularly if they are perceived as lopsided or indicative of a lack of competitiveness, can significantly erode fan support and create pressure on coaches.
In a state that is relatively small, these rivalry games become very important.
Fan Discontent:
Passionate fan bases often place a premium on beating their rivals. Losses to BYU could have fueled fan discontent, contributing to a negative perception of Smith’s performance.
Social media amplifies these sentiments, making it easier for fan frustration to reach university administrators.
Perception of Inability to Compete:
If there was a perception that Smith’s teams consistently struggled against BYU, it could have raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level.
This perception could have been exacerbated by the fact that BYU is now in the Big 12, adding more national attention to the rivalry.
Pressure from Above:
University administrators are often sensitive to fan sentiment and donor pressure. Losses to rivals can create a sense of urgency to make changes.
While not the sole reason, the rivalry with BYU could have been a contributing factor in the decision to part ways with Smith.
Overall Performance:
It is important to remember that overall performance is the main reason a coach is fired. The rivalry with BYU would be an extra added pressure.
It’s important to emphasize that this is speculative. Coaching decisions are complex, and many factors are typically involved. However, the intensity of rivalries in college sports can create a unique set of pressures, and it’s reasonable to believe that the BYU rivalry played some role in the overall assessment of Craig Smith’s tenure.

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