Frank Layden, beloved Jazz coach who brought humor to the sidelines, dies at 93
The NBA lost one of its most colorful characters last week. Frank Layden, the witty coach who first led the Utah Jazz to playoff glory, has died at 93.
Known for his humor and sideline antics, Layden wasn’t just funny – he was effective. He coached Utah for seven seasons (1981-1989), racking up 277 wins, the third-highest total in team history.
He remains the only Jazz coach ever to win NBA Coach of the Year.
“Frank Layden made a lasting impact on the Jazz, the state of Utah, and the NBA,” the team said in a statement. “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.”
Layden’s journey to NBA success started far from the bright lights of professional basketball.
Born in Brooklyn in 1932, he cut his teeth coaching high school games before moving up to his alma mater, Niagara University. His big break came in 1976 when Hubie Brown brought him onto the Atlanta Hawks staff. He later followed Brown to New Orleans.
His chance to run his own team came midway through the 1981-82 season when the Jazz fired Tom Nissakle. Layden stepped in and quickly turned things around.
By his second year, he had guided Utah to their first-ever playoff appearance.
After seven seasons patrolling the sidelines, Layden handed the coaching reins to Jerry Sloan. But he didn’t leave the organization – he moved upstairs, serving as team president and general manager.
It was during this period that Layden helped make one of the most important decisions in franchise history.
He was part of the staff that drafted future Hall of Famers Karl Malone and John Stockton, setting up the most successful era in Jazz basketball.
The basketball world recognized Layden’s contributions in 2019 when he received the prestigious Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award.
“It’s hard to imagine the story of the Utah Jazz without the presence of Frank Layden,” said Utah owners Ryan and Ashley Smith. “He was an amazing person who meant so much to this organization and to our fans. His love of the sport was felt around the NBA, and he set the franchise on a course for success, helping to build an enduring legacy for the state of Utah.”
