Quin Snyder has officially stepped down from his position as head coach of the Jazz, the team announced today in a press release. Snyder recently finished his eighth season with the organization.
Snyder accrued a 372-264 regular-season record with Utah, making him the second-winningest coach in franchise history, behind only Jerry Sloan. He thanked the Jazz and the state of Utah in his parting remarks, explaining that he felt the team needed a different voice going forward.
“At the core, and what drives me every day is our players and their passion for the game, their desire to constantly work to improve and their dedication to the team and the Jazz,” Snyder said as part of a much larger statement. “I strongly feel they need a new voice to continue to evolve. That’s it. No philosophical differences, no other reason. After eight years, I just feel it is time to move onward.
“I needed to take time to detach after the season and make sure this was the right decision. I greatly respect and appreciate (team owner) Ryan (Smith), (CEO) Danny (Ainge) and Justin (Zanik‘s) discussions regarding moving forward together, I just know it is time. I am forever appreciative of all the players, coaches, partners, and people I have worked with at the Jazz.”
The Jazz, who join the Hornets as the only franchises without a head coach, plan to immediately start searching for a replacement for Snyder, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports (via Twitter).
Utah made the playoffs six times under Snyder’s leadership, but never advanced past the second round, posting an overall postseason record of 21-30 (.412). The team finished 49-33 this season and lost to the Mavericks in six games during the first round of the playoffs.
Snyder and the Jazz had been discussing a possible contract extension, but the idea that he could leave the team this spring has been out there since Marc Stein first suggested it in a pair of stories in March. According to Wojnarowski (via Twitter), talks between Snyder and the Jazz were “amicable” and their relationship is still strong, but the veteran coach simply felt it was time to move on.
Snyder’s deal ran through the 2022/23 season and included a coach’s option for the following campaign, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who previously stated that Snyder would likely take a year off from coaching if he stepped down from the position.
Damn. The Lakers just needed to wait a couple more weeks lol
lololol
I read that LeBron wants to trade away Westbrook. true?
Synder is far better than Ham.
Ham is overrated by Steven A Smith and Perkins. The expectation on Ham is too high.
Many Lakerrs fans believe that Lakers can’t win anything without getting rid of Westbrook.
Well, we all know why Steven A. likes Ham.
@Sillivan
Who cares what Stephen A Smith or Perk think? They had no say in the matter and much more informed ppl liked Hamm too.
How do you know that Snyder is better than Ham, Ham hasn’t coached a game yet.
True. People wondered about Ime Udoka but he’s turned out to be just what the Celtics needed to take the next step.
Imagine thinking the Lakers didn’t have an idea this was happening. If Snyder wanted to coach the Lakers, he would be a Laker right now.
San Antonio???
Yeah, I think so. The ability to work for an organization that is patient, smart, and talented creates an environment that is attractive to many in the front office. Seeing Pops reside on the bench for as long as he has screams confidence. It may not be the sexiest job in the league, but certainly one of the best run franchises to work for.
With that said, now I can only hope Thibs gets his walking papers and the Knicks hire Snyder.
Hornets need to try to pick him up!!
Who will coach in Utah and what does it mean for Mitchell??
Hopefully Sam Cassell or Dale Demps.
I would have Jay Wright as a top choice. Ainge pulled Brad Stevens from the college ranks…maybe DWade wants to try coaching :)
Cue all the Knicks fans clamoring for Mitchell…
Take a year off, rejuvenate, and then come on home to ATL
Nice!
Sit out a year…..
on to The Riverwalk
In other words he is sick of Donavon and Rudy’s s–t, they are keeping both of them since the all star game is Salt Lake next year. So essentially the franchise is wasting a year to have representation in a meaningless game. This is a bad move by a new owner. Need to to trade one of them while their value is at an all time high.
City of Utah??
Just noticed that myself
The greatest city on earth.
I’m happy for Snyder. You need to take care of your well-being first. I’m sure his hip as well as the worry about reaching the players made it hard to sleep.
As I’d been saying, he’d be perfect as a developmental coach. Maybe he realizes he only wants a smaller role like that after he takes a break? You never know.
Just want the guy to be happy. He brought great success to the Jazz. He set them on a much better path. He’s always been very good at picking assistant coaches, too.
I could see him as Pop’s successor. That’d be fun! I’m a Jazz fan, but I’ve always admired the Spurs as a brother-like organization. Pop and Sloan were always so complimentary of each other. Both organizations seem to genuinely like each other and help each other in some ways. Guess we’ll see in a year or two.
As for a replacement, hard to say. If they do a rebuild then it might not matter for a couple years. You want a good developmental coach, but you don’t want s someone who’s too unrealistic with the young guys.
Need someone open to playing anyone who deserves it, not just vets. For example, I loved it when Sloan would bench the starters for the second half when they were stinking it up. Need a coach who is very creative yet strong. A Phil Jackson type but a little more approachable.
The most important quality is creating an environment young stars want to be apart of.
He needs to be a great communicator who is always calm unless he’s mad at a ref. Lol
Sounds like he will take time away from ball for a bit. Year off and then come back.
He will likely be the best name available next season for an open position.
Could see him at Washington with Bradley Beal
Injuries derailed the WIZARDS this season, Unseld Jr. was did a decent enough job.
He should be given the time to coach the roster.
This feels just about right. Arguably, the JAZZ has been the most disappointing team the past few years.
Many expected them to make deep playoff runs which never came.
A new voice might be what’s needed.
Will Hardy should be given a major look – he’s from the Pop’s coaching tree, he’s knee-deep in the CELTICS current run and he’s white, which matters in Utah and stymies Stephen A. Smith’s dream a bit.
He’ll almost certainly take a year off. Timing of his decision for one (indicates he was deciding between UTH and not coaching). Plus, the little matter of him being under contract for next season with UTH, so he would need them to release him from that obligation to coach elsewhere (and UTH would want certainly want and be entitled to compensation).
When you quit, you give up your contract so no compensation is needed to be given to Utah. If you are fired then the team has to pay your remaining contract.
Knicks let fire Thibs and grab this guy. Then hope Mitchell requests a trade and proclaims he only wants to go to NY. Does his his Dad still work for the Mets?
He does.
A mediocre coach leaving a mediocre team… that is the definition of mediocre news!
When you quit, you give up your contract so no compensation is needed to be given to Utah. If you are fired then the team has to pay your remaining contract.