Alex Jensen Officially Introduced As Head Coach Of Utah Men’s Basketball
Mar 17, 2025, 6:37 PM | Updated: 10:24 pm
Alex Jensen introduced as head coach of Utah men's basketball. Photo by Steve Bartle, KSL Sports
SALT LAKE CITY—The University of Utah President Taylor Randall and athletics director Mark Harlan officially introduced Alex Jensen as the Runnin’ Utes head coach on Monday.
Utah introduced its new men’s basketball head coach in front of fans, players, and coaches, current and past.
Introducing, the 17th Head Coach in Runnin’ Utes History, Alex Jensen‼️ pic.twitter.com/khgmVsyjHB
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) March 18, 2025
Home sweet home for Alex Jensen and Utah basketball
President Randall and Harlan followed through on the highly anticipated move and capitalized on a significant moment in the program’s history.
“I’ve had some donors call me and they’re very excited,” Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said. “They remember Alex and they’re really excited about him. I get it.”
Jensen is a bridge to a golden era in Utah basketball when the Utes were a national powerhouse. As a key starter for the team during their 1998 NCAA Tournament championship run, Jensen is a familiar and beloved figure to the fanbase. His connection to Utah fans is deeply rooted in his history with the program.
Leaning into the home sweet home vibes for Alex Jensen’s introductory press conference… pic.twitter.com/4ERXrs9gFK
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) March 17, 2025
“I remember playing here, and the history, especially basketball, it’s rich,” Jensen said. “And I remember thinking like you’re in a long chain of great players and great teams. And I think, obviously, I don’t want to say it’s a continuation of the past — I think it’s a connection — but I’ve specifically approached this forward looking, forward facing, and to carry on the tradition.”
Not only does Jensen serve as a connection to the past but his time in the NBA only adds credibility and strengthens his outlook among fans. He is someone that fans can believe in as a coach, while staying connected to the rich history of Utah basketball.
Watch Alex Jensen’s Introductory Press Conference
Who is Alex Jensen?
A Utah Athletics Hall of Famer and starter on the Runnin’ Utes 1998 Final Four team has been named the 17th head coach of Utah’s men’s basketball program.
Jensen returns to the alma mater with 18 seasons of coaching experience, highlighted by 12 as an NBA assistant between the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz organizations. He also possesses head coaching experience in the NBA’s G-League, and multiple years under Runnin’ Utes legend, Rick Majerus. A position he held for four seasons before becoming head coach of the Canton Charge of the NBA D-League in 2011.
Jensen hails from Centerville and was Utah’s Mr. Basketball in 1994 as a senior at Viewmont High School. He led Viewmont to a state championship in his junior year.
Following his freshman season at Utah in 1994-95, he went on a two-year mission. Upon his return, Jensen earned a spot in the starting lineup for the 1997-98 season and helped lead the Utes to one of the best years in school history with a run to the Final Four and an appearance in the NCAA Championship game. As a junior, Jensen took another big step in his development, earning All-Western Athletic Conference honors and being named to the WAC All-Defensive Team.
Jensen capped his senior season in 1999-2000 by winning the first Mountain West Conference Player of the Year award in the league’s inaugural season. He was part of four conference championship teams and made four trips to the NCAA tournament in his time with the Runnin’ Utes.
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This is a significantly positive move for Utah Basketball and Athletics in general. Utah landed the right guy to lead the program into the future. As the landscape shifts, the program now has someone who understands the recipe for success.
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The fanbase has long desired Jensen as head coach, so his return has been met with excitement. Utah has someone that connects them to their storied past, as well as a strong figure to lead them into the future.
Jensen was always viewed as the top target, but a select few other promising candidates were interviewed during the process. Ultimately, Utah felt Jensen was the right man for the job, and the two parties have agreed to terms on a deal that makes him the new head coach of the Runnin’ Utes.
