Former Utah Jazz and Utah Starzz head coach Frank Layden died Wednesday, The Salt Lake Tribune has confirmed. He was 93.
Layden, first hired in the NBA by Hall of Famer Hubie Brown as an assistant for the Atlanta Hawks, came to Utah as the New Orleans Jazz moved to the state in 1979. Then the team’s general manager, Layden stepped into the role of the team’s head coach in 1981.
Immediately, he became one of the league’s foremost figures thanks to his boisterous and frequently humorous approach on the sidelines. Over the course of his tenure, Layden pushed the Jazz from one of the NBA’s worst teams to one of its best.
In 1984, Layden was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year and the NBA’s Executive of the Year as the Jazz finished first in the Midwest Division. That year, he drafted the NBA’s all-time assist and steal leader, John Stockton; Layden drafted the league’s third-place all-time scorer, Karl Malone, the very next year.
Layden tapped his assistant, Jerry Sloan, to replace him in 1989. Sloan, Stockton, and Malone would push the team to a 20-year playoff streak and NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998.
In 1998, Layden became the head coach of the WNBA’s Utah Starzz, though he resigned four games into the 1999 season.
(The Salt Lake Tribune) Former St. Patrick's Day parade marshals Jack Green Jr., left, and John Mooney, right, pass on the derby hat to new marshal Frank Layden in 1981.
As news of Layden’s death broke, figures from the Jazz community shared their condolences.
Ryan and Ashley Smith, current Jazz owners, credited Layden for the Jazz’s success in Utah.
“It’s hard to imagine the story of the Utah Jazz without the presence of Frank Layden. 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,” they wrote. “Frank was known for his enthusiasm, commitment and humor, but his impact on Utah extended far beyond the court thanks to his generosity and community outreach efforts that made such a difference in people’s lives. We are so grateful for all of the dedication, passion, and energy he put into helping make the Jazz who we are today.”
Former Jazz assistant coach Gordon Chiesa, who Layden hired in 1989, called Layden “the architect of the Jazz.”
“The Jazz were really a non-entity” when Layden was hired, Chiesa said. “Frank brought relevance to Utah.”
“He was unique, he was authentic, he was an original,” Chiesa added. “He treated everyone the same, from a custodian to the mayor of New York City.”
Former public address announcer Dan Roberts watched Layden up close from the sidelines during their careers.
“Frank, from the Jazz’s first game in Utah, kept working so very hard to make the Jazz viable and get people into seats to watch Salt Lake’s contribution to the NBA. It was a long and arduous struggle that Frank took on with a total and complete dedication.” Roberts said. “He took it seriously and did his best to save the team as president and general manager.”
Former Tribune Jazz beat reporter Steve Luhm, who covered Layden’s career, said that “Frank Layden was one of the finest people I ever met. His positive influence on thousands of people as a teacher/coach/NBA executive for seven decades is incalculable.”
Jazz player and commentator Thurl Bailey, who Layden drafted in 1983, wrote on social media: “I will miss you Frank! Thank you for selecting me in the draft in ‘83 as a Jazzman! You helped shape me as a player and a man. Godspeed Coach.”
His Jazz co-commentator, play-by-play man Craig Bolerjack said, “I hope JazzNation remembers him as a man that helped save the Jazz with humor and grace before Larry’s financial wizardry gave the franchise the solid base it stands on today. A beautiful human being!”
The family of former team owners Larry H. and Gail Miller issued a statement Wednesday evening.
“We are sad to hear the news of Frank Layden’s passing. 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,” the Millers wrote. “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.”
The NBA also issued a statement.
“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 organization.”
