The Jazz are searching for a new head coach following the departure of Quin Snyder, but haven’t revealed any sort of a deadline in terms of hiring a replacement.
“It’s important we get it right,” Jazz executive Danny Ainge said, via Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune. “We have big shoes to fill.”
While neither Ainge nor Jazz owner Ryan Smith spoke about potential candidates, names such as former Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts and current Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin are reportedly on the early list.
But those are just two of the names, and given that Snyder stepped down Sunday, it’s safe to say the Jazz are extremely early in the process. Smith added that the Jazz intend to be thorough in the search, via Walden, indicating it could take a while before a new coach is hired.
Snyder, 55, stepped down as Jazz coach after eight fairly successful seasons. Per reports, he is expected to sit out next season before aiming to return to the coaching ranks.
“After eight seasons as coach, Snyder simply decided that it’s time to step away,” Adrian Woojnarowski of ESPN reported. “Conversations had been amicable with team, relationships still strong, but Snyder has decided to leave after building the Jazz into a perennial playoff contender.”
Ainge added that the Jazz were hopeful that Snyder would remain on as coach.
“We wanted him to stay,” he said, via Walden. “But I trust Quin knows much more what’s better for him and his family.”
Snyder coached the Jazz to a 372-264 record in his eight years, including a 49-33 record this past season. They finished 52-20 in 2010-21 for the NBA’s best mark, but failed to advance beyond the second round in the Western Conference playoffs.
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