Latest news with #ChuckDalyLifetimeAchievementAward
Los Angeles Times
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Frank Layden, sharp-witted coach of the Utah Jazz, dies at 93
SALT LAKE CITY — Frank Layden, the sharp-witted former coach who led the Utah Jazz to the playoffs for the first time, has died. He was 93. 'Frank Layden made a lasting impact on the Jazz, the state of Utah, and the NBA,' the Jazz said in a statement Wednesday. '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.' Known for his humor and sideline antics, Layden coached the Jazz from 1981-89 and had 277 wins, third-most in franchise history. He's the only coach in Jazz history to be named NBA coach of the year, earning the honor in 1984, when he also was honored as executive of the year. Among the best one-liners attributed to him was one about a problem player he coached: 'I told him, 'Son, what is it with you? Is it ignorance or apathy?' He said 'Coach, I don't know and I don't care.'' For years, including during his time coaching the Jazz, Layden struggled with his weight, leading him to quip: 'I don't know but I stepped on a scale that gives fortunes and the card read 'Come back in 15 minutes alone.'' Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Layden began his coaching career in the high school ranks before moving on to coach at his alma mater, Niagara University. He made the jump to the NBA in 1976 on Hubie Brown's staff with the Atlanta Hawks and became the New Orleans Jazz's general manager in 1979. Layden moved with the team to Salt Lake City, then took over as coach after Tom Nissalke was fired midway through the 1981-82 season. Layden led the franchise to its first playoff appearance in his second season. Layden stepped away from coaching early in the 1988-89 season and was replaced by future Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan. Layden stayed on as the team's president and general manager, part of a staff that selected Hall of Famers John Stockton and Karl Malone. He spent one season as coach of the WNBA's Utah Starzz in 1998-99. '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.' Layden remained in the Salt Lake City area after leaving coaching and earned the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
Miami Herald
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Legendary Jazz coach/GM Frank Layden dies at 93
Former Utah Jazz coach and general manager Frank Layden died on Wednesday. He was 93. Layden coached the Jazz for seven-plus seasons (1981-89) and also served in the front office as general manager and president until retiring in the final week of 1999. He was NBA Coach of the Year and NBA Executive of the Year in 1984. Layden laid the foundation for success for Utah by drafting point guard John Stockton 16th in the 1984 draft and power forward Karl Malone 13th in the 1985 draft. Both players enjoyed Hall of Fame careers and the Jazz put together a streak of 20 straight playoff appearances, reaching the NBA Finals in both 1997 and 1998. "We are sad to hear the news of Frank Layden's passing," said the Miller family, owners of the Jazz. "Frank was not only a foundational part of the Utah Jazz, he was a pillar in our community. We will continue to celebrate his passion and energy that helped build the Jazz into a contending team, and his endearing sense of humor. "Frank's love of sports was contagious. He could often be found spending a night at the ballpark with the Salt Lake Bees, leading us in song during the 7th inning stretch. He was a dear friend and remarkable partner. We share our love with Barbara, Scott and the extended Layden family." Layden was hired as GM of the New Orleans Jazz in 1979 and stuck with the franchise during its move to Utah. He compiled a 277-294 coaching record and guided the Jazz to five straight postseason appearances. When he resigned as coach early in the 1988-89 season, Layden promoted Jerry Sloan, who went on to win 1,127 games with Utah. Layden also had a short stint with the Utah Starzz of the WNBA. He resigned four games into the 1999 season, his second at the helm. Among his other stops was coach of Niagara from 1968-76. Future NBA star Calvin Murphy led the school to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in Layden's second season. Layden went 119-97 at Niagara. In 2019, Layden was that year's winner of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award. --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2023 - All Rights Reserved
Chicago Tribune
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Frank Layden, former Utah Jazz coach and GM, dies at 93: ‘There will never be another like him'
SALT LAKE CITY — Frank Layden, the sharp-witted former coach who led the Utah Jazz to the playoffs for the first time, has died. He was 93. 'Frank Layden made a lasting impact on the Jazz, the state of Utah, and the NBA,' the Jazz said in a statement Wednesday. '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.' Known for his humor and sideline antics, Layden coached the Jazz from 1981-89 and had 277 wins, third-most in franchise history. He's the only coach in Jazz history to be named NBA coach of the year, earning the honor in 1984, when he also was honored as executive of the year. Born in New York in 1932, Layden began his coaching career in the high school ranks before moving on to coach at his alma mater, Niagara University. He made the jump to the NBA in 1976 on Hubie Brown's staff with the Atlanta Hawks and became the New Orleans Jazz's general manager in 1979. Layden took over as coach after Tom Nissalke was fired midway through the 1981-82 season and led the franchise to its first playoff appearance in his second season. Layden stepped away from coaching early in the 1988-89 season and was replaced by future Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan. Layden stayed on as team president and general manager, part of a staff that selected Hall of Famers John Stockton and Karl Malone. He spent one season as coach of the WNBA's Utah Starzz in 1998-99. 'It's hard to imagine the story of the Utah Jazz without the presence of Frank Layden,' team 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.' Layden remained in the Salt Lake City area after leaving coaching and earned the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
Hamilton Spectator
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Former Jazz coach and GM Frank Layden dies at 93
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Frank Layden, the sharp-witted former coach who led the Utah Jazz to the playoffs for the first time, has died. He was 93. 'Frank Layden made a lasting impact on the Jazz, the state of Utah, and the NBA,' the Jazz said in a statement Wednesday. '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.' Known for his humor and sideline antics, Layden coached the Jazz from 1981-89 and had 277 wins, third-most in franchise history. He's the only coach in Jazz history to be named NBA coach of the year, earning the honor in 1984, when he also was honored as executive of the year. Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Layden began his coaching career in the high school ranks before moving on to coach at his alma mater, Niagara University. He made the jump to the NBA in 1976 on Hubie Brown's staff with the Atlanta Hawks and became the New Orleans Jazz's general manager in 1979. Layden took over as coach after Tom Nissalke was fired midway through the 1981-82 season and led the franchise to its first playoff appearance in his second season. Layden stepped away from coaching early in the 1988-89 season and was replaced by future Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan. Layden stayed on as the team's president and general manager, part of a staff that selected Hall of Famers John Stockton and Karl Malone. He spent one season as coach of the WNBA's Utah Starzz in 1998-99. '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.' Layden remained in the Salt Lake City area after leaving coaching and earned the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. ___ AP NBA:
Winnipeg Free Press
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Former Jazz coach and GM Frank Layden dies at 93
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Frank Layden, the sharp-witted former coach who led the Utah Jazz to the playoffs for the first time, has died. He was 93. 'Frank Layden made a lasting impact on the Jazz, the state of Utah, and the NBA,' the Jazz said in a statement Wednesday. '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.' Known for his humor and sideline antics, Layden coached the Jazz from 1981-89 and had 277 wins, third-most in franchise history. He's the only coach in Jazz history to be named NBA coach of the year, earning the honor in 1984, when he also was honored as executive of the year. Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Layden began his coaching career in the high school ranks before moving on to coach at his alma mater, Niagara University. He made the jump to the NBA in 1976 on Hubie Brown's staff with the Atlanta Hawks and became the New Orleans Jazz's general manager in 1979. Layden took over as coach after Tom Nissalke was fired midway through the 1981-82 season and led the franchise to its first playoff appearance in his second season. Layden stepped away from coaching early in the 1988-89 season and was replaced by future Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan. Layden stayed on as the team's president and general manager, part of a staff that selected Hall of Famers John Stockton and Karl Malone. He spent one season as coach of the WNBA's Utah Starzz in 1998-99. '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.' Layden remained in the Salt Lake City area after leaving coaching and earned the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. ___ AP NBA:
