Utah head coach Jazz Quinn Snyder watches the first half of his NBA team’s 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 – Quinn Snyder is stepping down as head coach of Utah Jazz, the team announced on Sunday, ending eight seasons with the team.
Snyder inherited a team that finished last in the Western Conference and turned him into a long-time playoff contender. Utah has led the playoffs in Snyder’s last six seasons.
However, jazz never made it to the second round under Snyder. It wasn’t a shot, though, and Snyder wasn’t pushed out; it was the coach’s choice. He had a contract for next season and had an option for 2023-24, and Jazz hopes to sign for longer. But negotiations to extend the contract with the property and management eventually failed, and Snyder decided to end his term on the team.
“Queen Snyder has embodied jazz basketball for the past eight years,” Jazz owner Ryan Smith said in a statement. “The tireless work ethic and attention to detail that Quinn shows every day is proof of who he is. I feel nothing but admiration for Quinn and I respect his decision. On behalf of Ashley and I, along with our owner group and our entire organization, we thank Quinn and Amy from the bottom of our hearts for all their contributions to Utah and jazz and wish them nothing but the best. “
Snyder said in a statement that there were no “philosophical differences” that led to his decision, he simply said the organization needed “a new voice to keep growing.”
“After eight years, I just feel it’s time to move on,” he said. “I had to take time after the season and make sure it was the right decision.”
Snyder said he appreciated the time and discussions Smith and team leaders Danny Age and Justin Zanick had given after the season, but he admitted: “I just know it’s time.”
“I am forever grateful to all the players, coaches, partners and people I have worked with at Jazz,” he said. “Your sacrifice, your kinship made this an amazing and special experience. Amy and I are so grateful for the time we spent here, as it was just a great place to raise our family. Thanks to our always supportive and passionate fans. We just want the best for you and to see you raise the flag of the championship. “
Snyder, who is highly regarded in the league, is leaving as the second most profitable coach in the history of the franchise (second only to Jerry Sloan from the Hall of Fame). In his eight seasons, he had an overall record of 372-264, but Snyder’s teams won only three playoff series.
In 2017-18, Snyder was the runner-up in the NBA Coach of the Year vote and was named Coach of the Month at the Western Conference four times during his time at Jazz.
His peak in Utah came in the 2020-21 season, when he led Jazz to the best record in the NBA (52-20) for the first time in the history of the franchise. The team’s performance led him to be the head coach of the LeBron team at the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.
This season, however, ended in disappointment. Untimely injuries and a shocking collapse led to the loss of Jazz in the second round of the defeated team of Los Angeles Clippers. This loss seems to hang over the team throughout last season and Utah has never been able to regain the magic it discovered in its record-breaking 2020-21 regular season.
Since last March, there has been speculation about Snyder’s status for next season – speculation that Snyder had many chances to take down, but never did. This ultimately 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 in the beautiful, kind, supportive community of Salt Lake City. I couldn’t ask for better owners in the Miller family and with Ryan and Ashley (Smith), “Snyder said.” They represent Utah Jazz in every good way, and I know the team couldn’t be in better hands with owned by Ryan. He is very proud and committed to doing what is right for Utah Jazz and bringing the Utah Championship. “
This story will be updated.
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Ryan Miller covers Utah jazz for KSL.com from 2018.
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