Beloved NBA Legend Frank Layden, Former Coach of the Year, Dies at 93 Amid Heartfelt Tributes
NBA Legend Frank Layden, Former Utah Jazz Coach, Dies at 93
By James Cohen | Updated: 03:23 BST, 10 July 2025
Frank Layden, the beloved former Utah Jazz head coach and NBA Coach of the Year, has passed away at age 93. The Jazz organization and NBA community mourned the loss of the iconic figure, remembered for his wit, leadership, and enduring impact on basketball.
[IMAGE: Frank Layden smiling in a Jazz sideline huddle, circa 1984. Caption: Frank Layden led the Jazz to playoff appearances after winning Coach of the Year honors in 1984.]
A Legacy of Leadership
Layden joined the Jazz in 1979 as general manager and became head coach in 1981. Over seven seasons, he turned the struggling franchise into a playoff contender, amassing a 277-294 record. His charismatic leadership earned him the 1984 NBA Coach of the Year award, and he guided the team to postseason appearances from 1984 until his resignation in 1988. He later served as team president and GM before retiring in 1999.
The NBA released a statement: “Frank’s humor and kindness made him a beloved figure. We extend our sympathies to his family and the Jazz.” The team added, “There will never be another like him. Rest easy, Coach.”
Fan Tributes Pour In
Fans and colleagues flooded social media with memories of Layden’s quips and mentorship. Known for his self-deprecating jokes, he once quipped, “I’m not the coach they wanted, I’m the coach they could afford.”
[IMAGE: Layden holding the 1984 Coach of the Year trophy. Caption: Layden’s 1984 award marked a turnaround for the Jazz franchise.]
Pioneering Career
Before joining the Jazz, Layden was an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks (1976–1979). His tenure in Utah solidified his legacy, nurturing stars like Karl Malone and John Stockton. After stepping down as coach, he remained a fixture in Utah, earning the 2019 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to basketball.
Layden’s influence extended beyond the NBA; he also coached the WNBA’s Utah Starzz in 2001, showcasing his adaptability and passion for the game.
Final Farewell
The Jazz organization emphasized Layden’s lasting imprint on Utah and the NBA. Tributes highlighted his humanity as much as his court success. As fans echoed online: “He made basketball fun. A true legend.”
Frank Layden is survived by his family, who request privacy during this time. His legacy—marked by laughter, resilience, and love for the game—will endure in NBA history.
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