SALT LAKE CITY, JUNE 30 (US): While the Utah Jazz took the time to talk to candidates to become their next coach, Will Hardy quickly climbed to the top of their list. This is where he stayed.
Hardy was announced as jazz coach on Wednesday, a day after the two sides reached an agreement in principle. He will become a head coach in the NBA for the first time, and at the age of 34, he is currently the youngest coach in the league, according to the Associated Press.
“While our search committee was going through this process, he separated himself among a group of very talented candidates,” said Justin Zanic, general manager of Jazz. “We are eager to work with him as we continue our quest for the NBA championship in Utah.”
Hardy is going to Utah after spending last season as an assistant at Boston, helping the Celtics reach the NBA Finals. He spent his previous 11 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, starting as a trainee in basketball operations, moving into the video room and eventually becoming an assistant under Greg Popovich for five times.
“The Utah Jazz is one of the most respected and successful franchises in the NBA and the fan base here is legendary,” Hardy said. “This opportunity comes with tremendous responsibility. I am grateful for the trust that Jazz has placed in me and I look forward to working in the future.”
Also Wednesday, the Jazz announced the appointment of NBA coach David Wiesdel as assistant general manager. Wiesdel was a head coach in New York and Memphis, as well as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami, Golden State and Atlanta.
Hardy will replace Quinn Snyder, who decided to leave the Jazz earlier this month after eight seasons.
Snyder and the Jazz have made playoffs in each of the past six seasons – tied for the second longest current streak of post-season appearances in the league – and Hardy tops a roster that includes Donovan Mitchell’s all-star goalkeeper and permanent defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert.
Hardy also assisted Popovic during USA Basketball’s appearance at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Hardy left San Antonio for Boston to work with another former Tottenham assistant, Aime Oduka – and now he finds himself the latest branch of Popovich’s highly successful coaching tree. .
“Will Hardy is one of the brightest young leaders in the NBA,” said Jazz Basketball Operations CEO Danny Inge.
“He understands the importance of setting a vision and creating a culture for players. He places great importance on networking, developing players and creating the most productive environment for players to succeed. His experience with the coaching staff that made it to the NBA Finals and with USA Basketball is invaluable and helped him prepare him for this moment “.