Frank Layden, the former Utah Jazz head coach, has died at the age of 93.
Layden spent seven years with the franchise during the 1980s and was named the 1984 NBA Coach of the Year. He accrued a record of 277-294 during his career.
In a statement on Thursday, the NBA said: ‘The NBA mourns the passing of Utah Jazz legend Frank Layden, an award-winning head coach and basketball executive.
‘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’.
Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz also shared a tribute. In a statement, they said: ‘Frank Layden made a lasting impact on the Jazz, the state of Utah, and the NBA.
Frank Layden, the former Utah Jazz head coach, has died at the age of 93
Layden spent seven years with the franchise and was named the 1984 NBA Coach of the Year
‘There will never be another like him. Our thoughts go out to his family as we join in mourning his loss and celebrating his life. Rest easy, Coach.’
After the news broke on Wednesday night, hundreds of fans flocked to social media to pay their own tribute to the former Jazz head coach.
Layden joined the NBA back in 1976 with the Atlanta Hawks as an assistant coach before, three years later, joining the Jazz as general manager.
He was named head coach in 1981 and, in every year after the 1984 season, he led them to the playoffs.
Layden eventually resigned from his role as head coach in 1988 but remained with the Jazz as a team president and GM.
He remained in the Salt Lake City area after leaving coaching and earned the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
