Utah
Utah Basketball Named Alex Jensen Top Target For Head Coach
SALT LAKE CITY—The University of Utah’s search for a new head men’s basketball coach has hit a big checkpoint. Among a select list of promising candidates, Dallas Mavericks assistant Alex Jensen has officially emerged as the top option.
Long considered the top option and favorite, CBS Sports national analyst Jon Rothstein confirmed the notion. Utah spent the past week combing through candidates and interviewing a select few. After completing their interviews Sunday, Utah officials confirmed Jensen’s status Sunday night.
Utah Basketball Head Coach Big Board
“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.”
Alex Jensen, top option in Utah’s search for head coach
Despite some reports and conflicting intel, Rothstein also reported that no offer has been extended just yet. Now named the top option, Utah seems to be in the process of finalizing the details of their official offer to Jensen.
Utah proved it can compete in the Big 12 this season, and there is a desire to elevate the program. Hiring the right candidate will be vital to Utah’s climb within the Big 12 Conference and Jensen appears to check many important boxes for the program.
Currently, Jensen serves as an assistant coach under Jason Kidd for the Dallas Mavericks. This is his second season with the Mavericks, and 12 overall in the NBA. Jensen possesses a lot of valuable experience in the league and that is largely what has fueled Utah’s interest in him.
This is a big moment for Utah Basketball, perhaps even a transformative period. Hiring the right head coach will be pivotal to unlocking the program’s potential. Jensen’s emergence as the top option is a big step in the process.