Former Jazz coach Frank Layden passes away at 93

Yahoo

23-07-2025

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) – Former Utah Jazz head coach Frank Layden has passed away at the age of 93.
Layden coached the Jazz from 1981-1988, going 277-294 in just over seven seasons. He stepped down during the 1988-89 season to allow Jerry Sloan to take over. Sloan went on to become a Hall of Fame coach.
Layden then became the team president and general manager from 1988-1999. He began his career with the New Orleans Jazz as the general manager in 1979.
Layden led the Jazz to a division title in the 1983-84 season when he was named the NBA Coach of the Year and NBA Executive of the Year. Layden was the coach when the Jazz drafted future Hall of Famers John Stockton and Karl Malone.
The Miller Family issued a statement Wednesday night saying, '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. 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.'
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'It's a sad day,' said Jazz play-by-play announcer Craig Bolerjack. 'It's a sad day for Utah, sad day for the Jazz. He brought everybody together, and I hope that's part of that legacy that people will remember as well.'
Layden was known as one of the most charismatic and funniest coaches in American sports history. He often joked with fans, referees and the media, making fun of his weight and the Jazz early struggles.
Once a fan asked Layden when the Jazz game as going to start at the Salt Palace, and the head coach famously replied, 'what time can you be there?'
'Frank was a lot of things wrapped in that body,' said former Jazz player Thurl Bailey. 'He was a human marketing machine for the Jazz when they really needed it. Even after he was retired, he would still be out in the community. You always see [his wife] Barbara with him for the most part. I mean, they were a team.'
'If we had a Mount Rushmore in Utah of significant sports figures, he'd be right there, right there at the top,' said former sportswriter Lee Benson.
Layden started coaching at his alma mater, Niagara University in New York. After helping lead the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1970, Layden jumped to the NBA when he served as an assistant with Atlanta in 1976.
Layden's son Scott was a Jazz assistant coach from 1981-92.
The Jazz organization released the following statement: 'Frank Layden will always be an iconic figure in Utah Jazz history for the pivotal role he played in shaping the franchise as a coach, general manager, and president across a two-decade span. Frank coached the Jazz to their first five playoff appearances, and he had the distinction of drafting two future Hall of Famers and naming a third Hall of Famer as the coach to replace him. Frank accomplished so much in the sport of basketball – all with a sense of self-deprecating humor and lightheartedness that made him a colorful character who was beloved by all. The Jazz join his family, friends, and fans in mourning his loss and express endless gratitude for his invaluable contributions.'
Current Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith released a statement saying, '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. 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. He will be missed by many, and we send our love to his family, especially to his wife Barbara, who was always by his side.'
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