Longtime Jazz coach, GM Frank Layden dies at 93

Former Jazz coach and general manager Frank Layden has died at 93, writes Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune.

Layden began his NBA coaching career in 1976 as an assistant to Hubie Brown in Atlanta, but he’s best known for his time with the Jazz, whom he joined as GM in 1979 while they were still in New Orleans. He took over as head coach in 1981 and became famous for his colorful personality while leading the franchise to its first taste of NBA success.

Layden was named Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year in 1984 as the Jazz captured their first division title. He built an enduring foundation by drafting John Stockton that year and Karl Malone in 1985, teaming up one of the NBA’s longest-running and most accomplished duos.

Layden continued coaching until 1989, when he turned over the team to assistant Jerry Sloan, who guided Utah to its only two NBA Finals. Layden, who finished with a career record of 277-294 and five playoff appearances, briefly resumed his coaching career in 1998 and 1999 with the Utah Starzz in the WNBA.

“Frank brought relevance to Utah,” said Gordon Chiesa, who worked as an assistant under Layden. “He was unique, he was authentic, he was an original. He treated everyone the same, from a custodian to the mayor of New York City.”

Layden remained with the Jazz for several years as an executive after he stopped coaching. He later worked as a consultant with the Knicks while his son, Scott Layden, was the team’s general manager.

Brandon Judd of The Deseret News shared a 2014 quote from Layden that summed up his philosophy of coaching and life.

“One thing I try to emphasize is it should be fun,” he said. “Anything you do. If you go to school, it should be fun; if you go to work, it should be fun. And then you work and each day there should be some satisfaction that you accomplished something.”