Quin Snyder stepped down as head coach of the Utah Jazz this past weekend.
After leading the team for eight years, Snyder feels the team needs a new voice in the locker room.
“I strongly feel they need a new voice to continue to evolve. That’s it. No philosophical differences, no other reason”, Snyder said.
Jazz owner Ryan Smith praised Snyder for his work, stating “Quin Snyder has embodied what Jazz basketball is for the last eight years.”
Snyder will leave the organization as the second-winningest coach in franchise history.
His 372-264 (.585%) mark trails only franchise-icon Jerry Sloan.
With the offseason close to kicking off, the Jazz begin their search for a new head coach.
Snyder Stagnated In The Postseason
Snyder was a great regular season coach in Utah.
After a 78-86 record through his first two years, he went 294-178 over his last six – the third-best mark in the NBA during that time.
During that time, Utah was the best team in the NBA one time (2020-21) and reached the Western Conference semifinals three times.
But Snyder could never get the Jazz over the hump.
And all three instances were never particularly close.
They were swept by the Golden State Warriors in 2016-17.
They suffered a “gentleman’s sweep” at the hands of the Houston Rockets in 2017-18.
And lost four straight games to the Los Angeles Clippers after going up 2-0 in 2020-21.
Roster construction could be part of the reason.
Outside of Rudy Gobert, the Jazz dealt with a dearth of perimeter defenders.
But at the same time, the head coach has a responsibility to make it work with what he is given.
And for the past three seasons, Snyder had most of the same key pieces year after year.
Perhaps it is time for a new voice in the locker room to hopefully get Utah over the hump.
What’s Next For Mitchell?
Snyder stepping down is potentially the first domino to fall this offseason for Utah.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell is described as “unsettled, unnerved, and wondering what it means for the franchise’s future” after the departure.
Keeping Mitchell happy should be at the center of all decisions the front office will make this offseason.
Gobert is an excellent player, but Mitchell is vastly more important to a team’s success in the modern NBA.
As it currently stands, the Jazz are firmly shutting down any trade offers for Mitchell.
They are sending a clear message they intend to build the roster around the All-Star guard.
Who becomes the next head coach could have some sway in whether or not Mitchell stays.
Sources at the New York Post reported New York Knicks assistant coach Johnny Bryant will interview for the opening.
Bryant is a former Jazz assistant and friend of Mitchell’s who would instantly respect him.
Bringing him on could extend the runway Utah has with their star shooting guard.
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