Utah fires Larry Krystkowiak after 10 seasons

Utah announced Tuesday that it had fired coach Larry Krystkowiak after 10 seasons.

Krystkowiak, 56, a former NBA player and assistant, went 183-139 in 10 years with the Utes, making two NCAA tournaments and three NIT appearances. His last appearance at the NCAA tournament was in 2016.

This year’s team finished 12-13, 8-11 in the Pac-12.

According to The Star-Tribune, he was making almost $ 4 million a year.

“Today I informed Men’s Basketball Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak that I am changing the direction of our men’s basketball program,” Utah AD Mark Harlan said in a statement. “The decision comes after a thorough evaluation of the program – on and off the field – as I do with every head coach at the end of their season. Ultimately, our program needs a new voice, a new vision, and a new leader who can build on Larry’s foundations and lead us to greater heights in the years to come.

“Larry has always been dedicated to our student-athletes, our university and the Salt Lake City community, and I am grateful for his decade of service to the University of Utah. Additionally, he and his wife Jan have been incredibly generous in supporting academic and community initiatives. I wish Larry, Jan and their family the best.

“The costs associated with this layoff and the hiring of a new head coach and staff will be fully funded from the resources generated by the sport. We will launch an immediate national search for a new head coach. “

Indiana, Minnesota, DePaul, Iowa State and New Mexico are among the other high-performance schedules to make training changes this week.