Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder watches during the first half of his team’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Sunday, January 23, 2022. (Jeff Chiu, Associated Press )
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SALT LAKE CITY – Snyder will step down as head coach of the Utah Jazz, the team announced Sunday, ending his eight-season career with the team.
Snyder inherited a team that had finished last in the Western Conference and turned it into a perennial contender in the playoffs. Utah reached the playoffs in the last six seasons of Snyder at the helm.
The Jazz, however, never made it past the second round under Snyder. However, this was not a dismissal and Snyder was not expelled; that was the coach’s choice. He was under contract for next season and had an option for the 2023-24 season, and the Jazz hoped he would sign more time. But talks about the extension of the property and management contract eventually faded and Snyder decided to end his term with the team.
“What Snyder has embodied what Jazz basketball is all about for the last eight years,” Jazz owner Ryan Smith said in a statement. “The tireless work ethic and attention to detail that Quin shows every day is a testament to how professional he is. I have nothing but admiration for Quin and respect for his decision. On behalf of Ashley and I, along with the our property group and our entire organization, we truly thank Quin and Amy for all their contributions to the state of Utah and Jazz and wish them all the best. “
Snyder said in a statement that there were no “philosophical differences” that led to his decision, only that he felt the organization needed a “new voice to keep evolving.”
“After eight years, I think it’s time to move on,” he said. “I needed to take time to break up after the season and make sure that was the right decision.”
Snyder said he was grateful for the time and discussions Smith and team executives Danny Ainge and Justin Zanik have offered since the season ended, but admitted, “I know it’s time.”
“I am forever grateful to all the players, coaches, partners and people I’ve worked with at Jazz,” he said. “Your sacrifice, your kinship have made this an amazing and special experience. Amy and I are so grateful for our time here as it has been such a great place to raise our family. Thanks to our fans who they always support and are passionate. I just want the best for you and see you raise the championship flag. “
Snyder, who is highly regarded in the league, is the second most successful coach in the history of the franchise (second after the Jerry Sloan Hall of Fame). In his eight seasons, he had an overall record of 372-264, but Snyder’s teams only won three playoff series.
In 2017-18, Snyder was the runner-up in the NBA Coach of the Year vote and was named Western Conference Coach of the Month four times during his time with the Jazz.
His heyday in Utah came during the 2020-21 season when he led the Jazz to the best record in the NBA (52-20) for the first time in franchise history. The team’s performance led to LeBron’s head coach at the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.
That season, however, ended in disappointment. Premature injuries and a shocking collapse caused the Jazz to lose in the second round to a Los Angeles Clippers team. That loss seemed to hang over the team all last season and Utah was never able to regain the magic it found in its regular 2020-21 season, which broke a record.
As of last March, there had been speculation about Snyder’s status for next season: it was speculated that Snyder had multiple opportunities to overthrow him, but he never did. That made Sunday’s news less shocking.
“I am incredibly grateful to have spent the last eight years with such a respected and historic organization and the beautiful, friendly and supportive Salt Lake City community. I could not have asked for better owners from the Miller family and Ryan and Ashley. (Smith ) “Snyder said. “They represent the Utah Jazz in every way and I know the team couldn’t be better off with Ryan’s ownership. He’s very proud and committed to doing what’s right for the Utah Jazz and bringing a championship to Utah.”
This story will be updated.
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Ryan Miller has been covering the Utah Jazz for KSL.com since 2018.