Utah hires Alex Jensen, player in program's glory days, as coach

Utah hired former Utes player Alex Jensen as its next men's basketball coach on Thursday.

Jensen, 48, played for legendary coach Rick Majerus during the program's heyday in the 1990s, when the Utes made the NCAA Tournament in eight of 10 seasons. That includes an appearance in the 1998 championship game, won by Kentucky 78-69.

Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said in a statement, "Alex brings with him tremendous experience coaching at the collegiate, NBA and international levels, and is widely respected for his ability to develop players and teach the game of basketball. Alex has a vision and a plan for leading the Runnin' Utes basketball program back among the nation's elite, and I am confident that he will elevate our program and reignite the passion of our fan base along the way."

Jensen added in a statement, "My basketball journey has been filled with so many people who have helped shape me as a coach and as a person, ultimately guiding me to this opportunity to lead the Runnin' Utes basketball program. I'm thankful for all of the great mentors I've had along the way as I embark on this next step to lead Utah Basketball. This is an exciting chapter for my family and me, and I'm looking forward to returning to a place that has meant so much to me."

Since the departure of Majerus in the 2003-04 season, in part due to health issues, the Utes have made the tournament just four times, most recently in 2016.

Jensen played in the Continental Basketball Association and overseas from 2000-07, then became an assistant coach under Majerus at St. Louis (2007-11) before getting his first head coaching job with the Canton Charge (2011-13) of the G League.

A native of Bountiful, Utah, he returned to the state as an assistant coach with the Jazz in 2013 and remained there until 2023, when he moved on to an assistant coach position with the Dallas Mavericks.

At Utah, he will replace Craig Smith, who was fired Feb. 24 after posting a 65-62 overall record.

The Utes are 16-14 (8-11 Big 12) and will conclude the regular season on Saturday at No. 23 BYU.

--Field Level Media