Frank Layden, who led Utah Jazz to first playoffs, dies at 93
Former Utah Jazz coach Frank Layden passed away on Thursday at the age of 93. The legendary coach was best known for being the first to lead the Utah Jazz to the playoffs. Over the course of his career, Layden also served as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks and the WNBA team Utah Starzz.
Renowned for his mentoring skills, he was honored with both the NBA Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year awards in 1984. Condolences have poured in from across the NBA community, including tributes from the league and the Utah Jazz ownership.
NBA mourns Frank Layden
The Utah Jazz posted an emotional tribute to Frank Layden. "Frank Layden made a lasting impact on the Jazz, the state of Utah, and the NBA. There will never be another like him.
Our thoughts go out to his family as we join in mourning his loss and celebrating his life. Rest easy, Coach," the team said on their social media handle.
Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith also paid tribute to Layden. "It's hard to imagine the story of the Utah Jazz without the presence of Frank Layden," Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith said.
"He was an amazing person who meant so much to this organization and to our fans. His love of the sport was felt around the NBA, and he set the franchise on a course for success, helping to build an enduring legacy for the state of Utah," their statement further read.
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The NBA also took to social media and mourned Layden's death. "The NBA mourns the passing of Utah Jazz legend Frank Layden, an award-winning head coach and basketball executive. His unique sense of humor and genuine kindness made him a beloved figure around the game, including during his time as a WNBA head coach. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Frank's family and the Jazz organisation," the NBA wrote.
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As per the Associated Press, Layden coached the Jazz from 1981 to 1989 and had 277 wins, the third most in franchise history. He is the only coach in Jazz history to be named NBA Coach of the Year, earning the honor in 1984, when he was also honored as Executive of the Year.
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