In an interview with the Deseret News in Salt Lake, new University of Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak says he left the Nets because the strain on his family was getting too much to bear.

"I've spent the last nine months on a solo mission," said the nine-year NBA veteran who was named earlier this month. "My family has been in San Diego, while I've been in New Jersey by myself, living off the Skype.

"It's the worst, hardest year I've ever been through. It was great basketball-wise to be able to work with Avery Johnson, but from a personal view, it was as hard as it got and I don't want to be away from the family or disrupt the family. That's part of getting back to college again."

No word on who the Nets might get to replace Krystkowiak, but Johnson has said he will be evaluating personnel, including coaches, in the post-season.

• Coach Larry Krystkowiak gets questioned and has the answers - Mike Sorenson - Deseret News