The Utah Runnin' Utes are in the midst of a critical coaching search following the recent firing of head coach Craig Smith. As the program strives to establish itself in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference,

Alex Jensen has emerged as the “front-runner” and a deal “could be done in the next day or two,” Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 reported Tuesday afternoon. Goodman’s report comes on the heels of several other reports indicating that Utah is hoping to sign Jensen as Craig Smith’s replacement.

Alex Jensen made a name for himself under Rick Majerus and solidified himself as a program great during his time with the Utes. Since that time, he has served as an assistant coach for a few NBA franchises including the hometown Utah Jazz, with his current role being an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks .

The Utah Utes are targeting Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Alex Jensen to replace head coach Craig Smith, who was fired last month, according to a report from college basketball insider Jon Rothstein.

Dallas Mavericks assistant and Utah alum Alex Jensen has reportedly been sent a contract to become the Runnin' Utes basketball coach.

After firing Craig Smith as the head coach of the Utah Basketball program, the Utes have moved quickly to identify their next target. According to a report from CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Dallas Mavericks assistant Alex Jensen appears to be the primary candidate in the eyes of the Utah athletic department.

The Utah Utes recently decided to fire head basketball coach Craig Smith, who won 20+ games just once in four seasons at the helm. Now, the school reportedly has eyes on a replacement. Who Is Alex Jensen?