Frank Layden, transformational coach and GM for Utah Jazz, dies at 93

Frank Layden, a transformational coach and general manager for the Utah Jazz, has died, the NBA announced. He was 93.

A cause of death has not been disclosed.

‘The NBA mourns the passing of Utah Jazz legend Frank Layden, an award-winning head coach and basketball executive,’ the league said in a statement. ‘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.’

Layden was head coach of the Jazz for parts of eight seasons (1981-1988) and drafted both John Stockton and Karl Malone, who would become stalwarts for the franchise, in back-to-back drafts.

The 1984 NBA Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year led the Jazz to the playoffs five times. Utah reached the Western Conference semifinals three times and was eliminated in the first round on the other two occasions. He finished with a 277-294 regular-season record.

Layden resigned as the Jazz’s coach 17 games into the 1988-89 season but remained with the franchise as its general manager and team president. Jerry Sloan was Layden’s replacement and he would lead the Jazz to the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998 and coached the franchise until 2011.

“He was a loyal guy,” former Jazz player and current broadcaster Thurl Bailey said of Layden in an interview with KUTV 2 News. “It’s a very sad day. We are talking about a man who leaves a huge legacy, and I think he is one of the most important people in Jazz history to help keep this franchise in Utah.’

Layden also spent time as a coach for the WNBA’s Utah Starzz, a franchise that is now the Las Vegas Aces.

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