As the Utah Jazz celebrate their 50th anniversary this season, itβs a great time to reflect on the long and proud history of the nine coaches whoβve been the leading man of the Jazz.
From Scotty Robertson in 1974 to Will Hardy in 2022, the Jazz have been blessed with some of the greatest coaches in league history throughout their rich history. Read below for a look back at each coach, and see how the Jazz got to this point in history.
9.) Will Hardy | 2022-present
Hired at just 34 years old, Hardy was already widely regarded in NBA circles as one of the young up-and-coming assistants in the league. With his hiring by the Utah Jazz in 2022, he became the ninth head coach in Jazz franchise history and the second youngest active head coach in the NBA.
Hardy's basketball portfolio also includes collegiate experience, having suited up for Williams College, a D-III program in Williamstown, Mass. During his four seasons with the Ephs, the team went 80-31 and made the D-III tournament twice.
His NBA journey began in San Antonio in 2010 as a video intern under the legendary Gregg Popovich. From 2013-15, he was the Spurs team video coordinator before being promoted to Popovich's coaching staff, where he also led San Antonio's summer league squads for four consecutive years.
He got his big break in 2021 when he joined the Boston Celtics as a lead assistant for head coach Ime Udoka. He helped continue the development of the Celtics' young core on a team that reached the NBA Finals for the first time in over a decade.
In addition to being an assistant in the league, Hardy also served as a member of Team USA's basketball staff in the 2020 Summer Olympics, helping lead the team to a gold medal victory over France.
COACHING RECORD
NBA
- Utah Jazz | 37-45 (.451 winning percentage)