Craig Smith to leave USD for Utah State

Head coach Craig Smith has accepted the head coaching position at Utah State, according to the Argus Leader.

Smith started at USD in 2014. In his four seasons with the Coyotes, Smith has won their first Summit League regular season title in 2016-17, Summit League Coach of the Year and earned the Coyotes their first bid to the National Invitational Tournament. 

Though Smith was the top candidate for the coaching position at Drake University last year, Smith remained at USD to continue in the 2017-18 year.

Smith accepted the position following the firing of Utah State head coach Tim Duryea March 11, according to the Argus Leader.

The Coyotes ended their season in the first round of the College Basketball Invitational March 14 against North Texas. They finished 26-9 on the season.

Smith ends his career at USD 79-55 in his four seasons.