Smith's fast rise at Utah St much like Beard's trek at Tech
FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2021, file photo, Texas Tech head coach Chris Beard reacts on the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lubbock, Texas Feb. Utah State and Texas Tech meet in a first-round game in the South Region on Friday. (AP Photo/Justin Rex, File)

FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2021, file photo, Texas Tech head coach Chris Beard reacts on the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lubbock, Texas Feb. Utah State and Texas Tech meet in a first-round game in the South Region on Friday. (AP Photo/Justin Rex, File)

Mar. 17, 2021 01:58 PM EDT
FILE- In this Friday, March 12, 2021, file photo, Utah State head coach Craig Smith reacts to a basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Colorado State in the semifinal round of the Mountain West Conference tournament in Las Vegas. Utah State and Texas Tech meet in a first-round game in the South Region on Friday. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken, File)

FILE- In this Friday, March 12, 2021, file photo, Utah State head coach Craig Smith reacts to a basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Colorado State in the semifinal round of the Mountain West Conference tournament in Las Vegas. Utah State and Texas Tech meet in a first-round game in the South Region on Friday. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken, File)

Mar. 17, 2021 01:58 PM EDT