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Frank Layden achieved 277 victories with the Jazz, placing him third in the team’s history.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)— Frank Layden, the charismatic former coach who guided the Utah Jazz to their inaugural playoff appearance, has passed away at the age of 93.
“The influence Frank Layden had on the Jazz, the state of Utah, and the NBA is immeasurable,” the Jazz stated in a release on Wednesday. “He was truly one of a kind. Our hearts go out to his family as we collectively grieve his passing and honor his remarkable life. Rest in peace, Coach.”
Frank Layden made an indelible mark on the Jazz, the state of Utah, and the NBA. His like will never be found again.
We extend our sympathies to his family as we join in both grieving his loss and celebrating his legacy.
Rest easy, Coach 💜pic.twitter.com/n8kQXnMZzU
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 10, 2025
Renowned for his wit and engaging sideline presence, Layden coached the Jazz from 1981 to 1989, amassing 277 wins—ranking third in the franchise’s all-time list. He distinguished himself as the only coach in Jazz history to receive the NBA Coach of the Year award in 1984, a year in which he was also recognized as executive of the year.
Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Layden began his coaching journey in high school before returning to his roots at Niagara University. His foray into the NBA started in 1976 as part of Hubie Brown’s coaching staff with the Atlanta Hawks, later taking on the role of general manager for the New Orleans Jazz in 1979.
Layden became head coach after Tom Nissalke’s dismissal midway through the 1981-82 season, leading the team to its first-ever playoff appearance in his second year. He stepped down from his coaching duties early in the 1988-89 season, with future Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan taking over.
The NBA honors the legacy of Utah Jazz icon Frank Layden, a distinguished coach and basketball executive. His distinctive humor and warmth endeared him to many in the sport, including during his tenure as a WNBA head coach. We send our heartfelt… pic.twitter.com/5Ts8FysUtI
— NBA (@NBA) July 10, 2025
After his coaching career, Layden continued to serve as the team’s president and general manager, helping to draft Hall of Famers John Stockton and Karl Malone. He also coached the WNBA’s Utah Starzz for a season in 1998-99.
“It’s difficult to envision the history of the Utah Jazz without Frank Layden,” said Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith. “He was an exceptional individual with profound significance to our organization and our fans. His passion for the sport resonated throughout the NBA, and he established a path for the franchise’s future success, contributing to a lasting legacy for the state of Utah.”
After leaving his coaching role, Layden remained in the Salt Lake City area, receiving the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
