Report: Quin Snyder to step down as head coach of Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder is planning to step down, per a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The news doesn’t come as a surprise as there have been recent reports surrounding his uncertain future with the team. After eight seasons with the franchise, he simply decided it was time to step away, even though his relationships with the team were still quite strong. Snyder had two years remaining on his contract, including his own option on the final year, per ESPN.
He recently underwent hip surgery after the season and has been getting back to full health. Once the former Missouri Tigers head coach decides to make himself a candidate for other jobs in the future, he’s expected to be a top candidate for nearly any team with an opening in the NBA.
Per Wojnarowski, the Utah Jazz plan to begin their search for a new head coach immediately.
Just this week Wojnarowski and ESPN’s Tim McMahon reported that the negotiations between the Utah Jazz and Snyder were “expected to continue” but both sides couldn’t come to terms due to “philosophical issues.” McMahon also said on a podcast recently that Snyder was likely going to end up leaving the Jazz. He posted an overall record of 372-264 in the past eight seasons with Utah.
He was named the head coach of the Jazz on June 16, 2014. Prior to the Jazz, he was an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks (2013-2014), Lost Angeles Lakers (2011-2012), and Philadelphia 76ers (2010-2011). In the 2020-2021 NBA season, Snyder led the Utah Jazz to a 52-20 regular season record, sitting atop the Western Conference standings.
He became the second winningest head coach in Jazz history, behind Hall-of-Famer Jerry Sloan. In a statement he released on Sunday evening, Snyder talked about being “grateful” for his time with the team, but that his final decision came down to what was best for the team’s players.
“At the core, and what drives me every day is 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 strongly feel they need a new voice to continue to evolve. That’s it. No philosophical differences, no other reason. After eight years, I just feel it is time to move onward,” Snyder said. “I needed to take time to detach after the season and make sure this was the right decision.”
While Snyder did guide the Jazz to the playoffs in each of the last six seasons, they were not able to reach the Conference Finals during his tenure. Utah played in 51 playoff games the last six years, tied for the second most in the Western Conference.