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SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz have announced a multi-year contract extension for head coach Will Hardy.
“We are thrilled to confirm the extension of Will Hardy’s contract as the head coach of the Utah Jazz through 2031. Will is an exceptional leader and a remarkable communicator, particularly with our younger players, and he serves as a powerful representative of our franchise. He has been an invaluable collaborator with Danny, Justin, and me. There is no one else we would prefer to guide us in our pursuit of winning an NBA championship here in Utah,” stated Ryan Smith, the governor of the Utah Jazz.
We are excited to announce the extension of head coach Will Hardy 💜🏔️
“I’m truly thankful and honored. This franchise is phenomenal. The opportunity to commit to the next phase of our journey is hard to put into words.” #TakeNote MORE: https://t.co/3Eh6KOWQ8P pic.twitter.com/tnYXMD0Ts6
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) May 5, 2025
Entering his fourth season with the Jazz in 2025-26, Hardy is the ninth head coach in the team’s history and the sixth since the franchise moved to Salt Lake City in 1979. He is the first head coach appointed after the Smith family acquired the Jazz in December 2020.
“Will’s leadership has been essential for our program,” remarked Danny Ainge, CEO of Jazz Basketball. “He has created a clear vision for our players along with a solid foundation based on core values, competitive habits, and a growth mindset. He stands out as one of the brightest young coaches in the league, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him.”
Hardy joined the Jazz after serving as the lead assistant coach with the Boston Celtics during the 2021-22 season, when the Celtics made their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2010. Before his time in Boston, he spent 11 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs in various roles, contributing to two NBA Finals appearances and a Championship in 2014. He was named head coach for the Spurs’ teams in the Salt Lake City Summer League from 2015 to 2018 and led their Summer League squads in Las Vegas in 2017 and 2018. In 2016, he was an assistant coach for the Western Conference team at the NBA All-Star Game and was also part of the coaching staff for USA Basketball that captured the gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo as well as the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
“I have a deep love for Utah and the Jazz organization, and I am incredibly thankful for the chance to keep guiding our team,” said Hardy. “I have faith in what we are constructing. We boast a talented coaching staff and dedicated individuals all focused on building a championship program for our outstanding fan base. I wish to express my gratitude to Ryan, Ashley, Danny, and Justin for the support they have given me since I arrived in Utah. I look forward to continuing our journey together.”
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Hardy graduated from Williams College, where he played four seasons for the Ephs while earning his undergraduate degree in English.
