Celtics assistant could be candidate for Jazz head coach search
A story from Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune reported that Boston Celtics assistant coach Will Hardy is a leading candidate for the Utah Jazz head coach vacancy. According to Larsen, Hardy is “considered by many league insiders to be a leading candidate” in Utah’s coaching search, via Bleacher Report.
Former Jazz head coach Quin Snyder stepped down after the 2022 season, finishing his tenure 372-64 (.585) in the regular season and 21-30 (.412) in the playoffs.
Danny Ainge, former Celtics president and now Utah CEO, reportedly wants a young assistant coach to take over, and the 34-year-old Hardy fits that mold. Hardy spent over a decade on the San Antonio Spurs coaching staff, five of which were as an assistant coach, before joining Ime Udoka’s staff in Boston last season. Even though both Ainge and Hardy are either current or very recent members of the Celtics organization, their paths didn’t cross in Boston, as current president of basketball of operations Brad Stevens hired Udoka and his staff.
Another Celtics assistant in Joe Mazzulla was also requested by the Jazz to interview for the coaching position. “If someone does [get a head coaching position], we like to elevate within,” Udoka said, via CLNS Media.
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