Utah Jazz head coach has stepped down after eight seasons with the team, as announced on Sunday.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Jazz ownership and management made several attempts over the past few weeks to persuade Snyder to remain, even proposing a contract extension. However, Snyder ultimately decided it was the right moment to move on.
Sources indicate that Snyder had two years remaining on his contract, including a personal option for the final year.
Quin Snyder, who recently underwent hip surgery and is in the process of recovering, has been reflecting on his future. Should he decide to pursue other coaching opportunities, Snyder would likely be a top candidate for any team with an opening.
In a statement, Snyder expressed gratitude for his time with the Jazz, but emphasized that his decision to step down was made with the best interests of the players in mind. “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,” Snyder said. “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. I needed to take time to detach after the season and make sure this was the right decision.”
The Jazz plan to begin their search for a new head coach immediately, according to sources.
Over his eight seasons with the team, Snyder compiled a 372-264 record, ranking him alongside Golden State’s Steve Kerr for the third-longest tenure among active NBA head coaches, behind only San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich and Miami’s Erik Spoelstra. Snyder’s 372 wins are the second-most in Jazz history, trailing only Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan’s 1,127 victories.
Snyder took over a franchise coming off a 25-57 season and helped transform Utah into a consistent playoff contender. While the Jazz have made the postseason for six consecutive years—the longest active streak in the Western Conference—they have not advanced past the conference semifinals during his tenure.
During his time in Utah, the franchise underwent significant changes, especially in the past two years, including the purchase of the team by Ryan Smith and the transition to Danny Ainge as the lead basketball executive after Dennis Lindsey’s departure.
“Quin Snyder has embodied what Jazz basketball is for the last eight years,” said Smith in a statement. “The tireless work ethic and attention to detail Quin displayed each day is a testament to the professional he is. I have nothing but admiration for Quin and respect his decision.”
