Report: Future of Josh Eilert in Doubt as Utah Finds Next Head Coach

For the second consecutive year, Josh Eilert is going to end a season as an interim head coach and then watch someone else take over the permanent role. Only a couple weeks after firing Craig Smith and naming Eilert the interim, a national report suggests Utah already has their next head coach.

According to The Field of 68, Utah will hire former Utes player and NBA assistant Alex Jensen. Eilert is still expected to finish out the season, but his future in Utah could be in doubt with a new head coach coming aboard.

BREAKING: Utah is hiring former Utes player and NBA assistant Alex Jensen as their next head coach, sources told @TheFieldOf68 pic.twitter.com/ePPVpckZHJ

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 6, 2025

Eilert led the Utes to a 1-2 record, which includes a close 71-69 loss to WVU on Tuesday. Following the game, Darian DeVries, who took over for Eilert at WVU, had some kind words to say about his predecessor.

“I want to give credit to Josh (Eilert) and how he has his team ready in a tough situation. He’s one of those good guys in this profession,” said DeVries about Eilert after the game.

Eilert almost pulled off a big win for Utah, one that may have meant a lot to him personally. He almost forced his former school to have to sweat out Selection Sunday. But instead, DeVries’ Mountaineers were able to hang on and likely solidify an NCAA Tournament bid.

Darian DeVries Showed Love to Josh Eilert After WVU’s Win Over Utah

WVU also beat Utah 72-61 in early February when Eilert made his return to Morgantown, granted he was only an assistant at that time. Eilert was then named Utah’s interim head coach on Feb. 24 when the Utes decided to part ways with Craig Smith.

DeVries also had glowing thins to say about the man he replaced prior to the first matchup.

“I don’t know him real well, but the short time that I had, he’s a really, really good guy,” DeVries said at the time. “I’m happy for him that he got another opportunity at Utah.”

Eilert had been with West Virginia’s program for 17 seasons after following Bob Huggins from Kansas State. He was promoted to a main assistant coaching role in 2022. West Virginia finished 9-23 last season with Eilert as the interim head coach and he was hired as an assistant coach at Utah in June.

For a related story, Josh Eilert endorsed Javon Small for Big 12 Player of the Year.