Former Runnin’ Ute star and longtime NBA assistant Alex Jensen is set to become the University of Utah’s next men’s basketball head coach, the U. announced on Thursday.
“My basketball journey has been filled with so many people who have helped shape me as a coach and as a person, ultimately guiding me to this opportunity to lead the Runnin’ Utes basketball program,” Jensen said in a statement.
“I’m thankful for all of the great mentors I’ve had along the way as I embark on this next step to lead Utah Basketball. This is an exciting chapter for my family and me, and I’m looking forward to returning to a place that has meant so much to me. I can’t wait to get to work with our student athletes, coaches and the University as we move forward to achieve our goals.”
Jensen played for the Utes under legendary head coach Rick Majerus during their 1998 national championship appearance. After college, he went on to play overseas from 2000-07.
After retiring from the international play, Jensen got his first coaching gig at Saint Louis University, again learning under Majerus from 2007-11. The Bountiful native was then hired as the head coach for the Canton Charge (2011-13) and later was picked up as an assistant by the Utah Jazz (2013-23).
His latest stop was with the Dallas Mavericks, where he had served as an assistant coach since 2023.
Jensen will be tasked with leading the Runnin’ Utes back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.
“This is an exciting day for our men’s basketball program and for the University of Utah community, as Alex Jensen officially returns to Salt Lake City as our new head coach,” Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said. “Alex brings with him tremendous experience coaching at the collegiate, NBA and international levels, and is widely-respected for his ability to develop players and teach the game of basketball.
“Alex has a vision and a plan for leading the Runnin’ Utes basketball program back among the nation’s elite, and I am confident that he will elevate our program and reignite the passion of our fan base along the way.”