Most Influential in Utah sports: Whittingham wields power

Coach elevated Utes in Pac-12, revived fans’ interest in program.

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No. 9 Gail Miller and Greg Miller

Jazz owners

Previous ranking » Nos. 9/13

The Jazz’s mother-son ownership duo is collectively referred to as "the Miller family" by Jazz players and staff members, giving Gail (who was remarried this summer) and Greg something of a shared identity. Greg created a stir in January by engaging in a battle of words with former Jazz star Karl Malone, which they apparently settled. The hiring of Dennis Lindsey as a front-office addition is viewed as evidence of the owners’ commitment to the team.

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No. 10 Scott Barnes

Utah State athletic director

Previous ranking » NR

Utah State’s football program has an entirely different outlook, largely due to coach Gary Andersen’s work and president Stan Albrecht’s support. Barnes is the point man, however, deserving credit for building an athletic program worthy of Mountain West Conference membership. That invitation saved Aggie football, beyond anything Andersen could do. Barnes continues to improve USU’s facilities, securing private funding for a $6.2 million weight room that’s under construction.

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No. 11 Dave Rose

BYU basketball coach

Previous ranking » No. 11

Rose responded to the end of BYU’s Jimmer Fredette era by earning a sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament berth. The Cougars then staged the biggest comeback in tournament history, rallying from 25 points behind to beat Iona in a First Four game before losing to Marquette. BYU drew an average of 17,966 fans for home games, further evidence of the program’s staying power in the absence of Jimmer. Rose has a .774 winning percentage.

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No. 12 Randy Rigby

Jazz president

Previous ranking » No. 15

Media members are exempt from this list, but in his role as president of Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment, Rigby’s shakeup of the sports radio market made an impact. The company bought 1280 The Zone in an effort to create a "powerhouse" station of talent and airwaves reach. Several big names switched stations as a result. Rigby also facilitated the Jazz’s hiring of Dennis Lindsey as general manger, creating another executive layer.

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No. 13 Jeff Robbins

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