Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder has stepped down after eight seasons with the franchise, the team announced Sunday.
Jazz ownership and management spent several weeks trying to convince Snyder to return as coach – even offering a contract extension – but he simply decided it was time to walk away from his job, have sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Snyder had two years left on his contract, including his own option on the final year, sources told Wojnarowski.
Snyder, who underwent hip surgery after the season, recovered to full health. Should he decide to run as a candidate for other coaching positions in the future, Snyder is expected to be a high priority for almost any team with an opening.
In a statement, Snyder said he was “grateful” for his time with the Jazz, but his decision came down to what was best for the players on the team.
“At the heart, and what drives me every day, are our players and their passion for the game, their desire to constantly work to improve, and their dedication to the team and the Jazz. I feel strongly that they have need a new voice to keep evolving No philosophical differences, no other reason. After eight years, I think it’s time to move on,” Snyder said in a statement. “I needed to take the time to detach myself after the season and make sure it was the right decision.”
The Jazz plan to begin a coaching search immediately, sources told Wojnarowski.
Snyder was 372-264 in his eight seasons with the Jazz, tying Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors for the third-longest tenure with a team among active head coaches and behind only San Antonio Spurs’ Gregg Popovich and Erik of the Miami Heat. Spoelstra.
Snyder’s 372 wins are the second most by a head coach in Jazz history, behind Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan’s 1,127 wins with the franchise.
After inheriting a franchise after a 25-57 season, Snyder was instrumental in transforming Utah into a perennial playoff team. The Jazz have the longest active playoff streak in the Western Conference at six, but Utah hasn’t moved past the conference semifinals in that time.
Utah has undergone major changes at all levels of the organization during Snyder’s tenure, particularly in the past two years, including the purchase of the franchise by Ryan Smith from the Miller family and the transition of Dennis Lindsey to Danny Ainge as the senior basketball manager.
“Quin Snyder has embodied what Jazz basketball is all about for the past eight years,” Smith said in a statement. “The tireless work ethic and attention to detail Quin displays every day is a testament to the professionalism he is. I have nothing but admiration for Quin and respect his decision.”