Utah Basketball Head Coach Big Board: Candidates, Potential Options

SALT LAKE CITY—As Utah begins its search for its next head coach, Mark Harlan has expressed the desire to raise the program’s expectations.

Utah proved it can compete in the Big 12 this season, which adds to the shock value of the change, but clearly, there is another level Utah believes it needs to reach. Hiring the right candidate will be vital to Utah’s climb within the Big 12 Conference.

Whether through familiarity with the program, proven track records at the collegiate level, or professional coaching experience, these individuals represent the future of Utah basketball and its aspirations to compete at the highest level. Here’s a first look at potential candidates Utah should target.

Utah Basketball Head Coach Big Board

Actual Candidates

Alex Jensen

• Current Role: Assistant Coach, Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
• Background: A former standout player for the Runnin’ Utes during the Majerus era, Jensen has spent years in the NBA as an assistant coach. He currently serves as an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks after a lengthy stay with the Utah Jazz.
• Why He’s a Fit: Jensen’s inclusion here is obvious. He has a deep understanding of the program and the history of it, given that he was part of it, and his potential hiring would resonate significantly with the fanbase. As a coach, player development and his experience at the professional level would give him a unique skill set for developing young talent at the college level.  His familiarity with the program and strong ties to the state make him a natural fit for the position. Jensen would undoubtedly be the home run hire, but the recruiting staff around him would also be important. There has already been communication between the two parties.
• The Buzz: Jensen has been considered the top target since this process began and the early buzz validates that belief. He is far and away the leading candidate and focus in Utah’s search. There has been a lot of communication between Utah and Jensen this week, including a meeting in Los Angeles on Tuesday. It seems this is trending in a direction many Utah fans would hope. Given Jensen’s current role and the obligations there, it adds a layer to the process and timing, but again, the buzz is positive here.

Andre Miller 

• Current Role: Coach, Grand Rapids (G-League)
• Background: Andre Miller, another former Runnin’ Utes star and NBA veteran. Miller has transitioned to coaching after a very successful playing career. As an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies, he has developed a reputation for his player development skills.
• Why He’s a Fit: Miller’s experience as another former Runnin’ Ute, his successful NBA career, and his current coaching role would bring a lot of excitement to the program. His insight into player growth and his leadership qualities would be invaluable in returning the program to prominence. Now, Miller as a head coach candidate is one thing, but as an assistant coach would be another. Miller was willing to join Utah’s staff last year as an assistant and has maintained his willingness to do so.
• The Buzz: Miller would’ve joined the staff last year but the opportunity was passed on by the previous head coach. Miller has maintined his interest in joining the program thought, which very well could be as an assistant of some sort. He did interview for the head coaching gig on Sunday and according to a source, made a really strong impression. Assuming Utah can bring him on in some form, that will be a big boost for the program.

Richard Pitino

• Current Role: Head Coach, University of New Mexico
• Background: Richard Pitino, the son of legendary coach Rick Pitino, has proven his coaching prowess by rebuilding programs in Minnesota and New Mexico. He’s known for his defensive schemes and ability to recruit top talent.
• Why He’s a Fit: He’s a big name, but more importantly, he’s shown that he can build a program. Pitino’s deep coaching pedigree and his success in rebuilding programs could make him an excellent choice to lead Utah. He has a strong recruiting track record and he’s shown the ability to develop competitive teams in tough conferences would be invaluable as the Utes join the Big 12.
• The Buzz: Outside of the two with Utah ties, Pitino’s name has garnered the most buzz. He interviewed for the job over the weekend and, according to a source, he really impressed. If things don’t pan out with Jensen, Pitino seems to be the guy Utah would pivot to.

Josh Pastner

• Current Role: TV analyst for ESPN, NBC, Turner Sports
• Background: Pastner coached seven seasons apiece at Georgia Tech and Memphis. Among those 14 seasons as head coach, Pastner has led his teams to five NCAA Tournament appearnaces. He earned a strong reputation as a recruiter, perhaps too strong, but has served as a TV analyst for most of the past two seasons.
• Why He’s a Fit: Certainly an interesting option but Pastner makes sense from a perspective of recruiting and coaching in competitive leagues.
• The Buzz: Pastner is the other candidate that interviewed for the job. The buzz is significant but his inclusion is surprising nontheless.

Potential Options

Bryce Drew

• Current Role: Head Coach, Grand Canyon University
• Background: Bryce Drew has turned Grand Canyon University into a top Western Athletic Conference (WAC) contender. Known for his offensive acumen and ability to build competitive teams, Drew has positioned GCU as a rising program.
• Why He’s a Fit: Drew’s success in turning GCU into a perennial contender is reason alone. His ability to recruit at a high level at a mid-major program makes him an attractive candidate. His familiarity with the region and the ties that he would bring to Utah could help elevate the program to a consistent contender in the Big 12.

Porter Moser

• Current Role: Head Coach, University of Oklahoma
• Background: Known for his success at Loyola-Chicago, including a Final Four appearance, Porter Moser has continued his work at Oklahoma. Moser has ties to Rick Majerus, as he served on his staff.
• Why He’s a Fit: Moser’s ability to build cohesive, disciplined teams is a major asset for a program like Utah, looking to rebuild and compete at a higher level in the Big 12. His coaching philosophy and experience in power conferences make him a top candidate. His emphasis on defense and disciplined play has led to success at both the mid-major and high-major levels. Success has been hard to come by at Oklahoma, but a reset at Utah could be good.

Talvin Hester

• Current Role: Head Coach, Louisiana Tech University
• Background: Talvin Hester has done a remarkable job turning Louisiana Tech into a competitive program in Conference USA. Known for his recruiting acumen and player development, Hester has a proven track record of success with limited resources.
• Why He’s a Fit: Hester’s success at Louisiana Tech with a smaller budget shows his ability to compete at a high level. His recruiting and coaching skills could be crucial in elevating Utah’s program in the Big 12. He spent valuable time as an assistant coach at Texas Tech, a program worth tapping into.

Bucky McMillan

• Current Role: Head Coach, Samford University
• Background: Bucky McMillan has rapidly built Samford into a competitive force in the Southern Conference. His fast-paced, up-tempo style has made Samford one of the most exciting teams in their league.
• Why He’s a Fit: McMillan’s innovative style of play and proven track record at Samford make him an intriguing candidate for a program like Utah that could use a fresh approach. His success at a mid-major school shows encouraging signs for his future potential as a high-major head coach.

Leon Rice

• Current Role: Head Coach, Boise State University
• Background: Leon Rice has had sustained success at Boise State, regularly leading the Broncos to NCAA Tournament contention. His emphasis on defense, team chemistry, and player development has earned him recognition as one of the best coaches in the Mountain West.
• Why He’s a Fit: Rice’s ability to build consistent, competitive teams in a tough conference like the Mountain West could be an asset to Utah as they transition further into the Big 12 era. Rice has been to the NCAA Tournament 11 times in his 14 years in Boise. His balanced coaching style and success in a mid-major program make him a strong candidate for the Utes.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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