Jazz Coaching Search Central

Jazz president Randy Rigby told his team’s radio personnel that more than 20 candidates would be considered for the vacant head coach position. We don’t know who those 20 people are exactly, but we have some educated guesses.

As you know, SCH is profiling many of the candidates over the coming days and weeks. We’ve also created this one-stop shop for all the rumors and information out there about the Utah Jazz’s first ever open coaching search.

Below you’ll find a list of potential candidates who may or may not have been mentioned, along with the latest notes on each. We’ll be updating this as the search develops, so check back often for updates news as well as new profiles as they become available.

Also, feel free to help keep us updated. if you see a rumor we missed, make some noise. You can reach out to @danclayt0n or @andyblarsen on Twitter, or any other SCH writer.

The Big Names

Potential Jazz HC candidate Linked to Jazz search? SCH Profile Status/Availability
Jim Boylen Jody Genessy is reporting he’s no longer a candidate Ben Dowsett on Boylen Spurs in Finals, June 5-20
Ettore Messina SI’s Ian Thomsen first floated it on 1280 and Stein confirmed he’s on the list. When asked about the possibility by Planeta Basketball, he answered: “But if [Jazz] asked me [to be head coach], I would love [it].” Coming soon Just qualified for VTB League Finals, which will be played June 9-17.
Jeff Van Gundy 1280 reporting JVG didn’t expect to be contacted Ben Dowsett on JVG Available
Lionel Hollins Marc Spears reported on 5/14 that Jazz have reached out Dan Clayton on Hollins Available, on record as wanting to return
George Karl Not publicly linked Laura Thompson on Karl Available but has not mentioned Utah job
Alvin Gentry Per Marc Spears, Jazz among teams who will speak with Gentry. Widely reported 2nd interview. David J Smith & Dan Clayton on Gentry Clippers’ season over
David Blatt Chris Sheridan floated the idea – no word as to whether he’s a candidate Per Yahoo!, in conversations to be Kerr’s top assistant in GS
Steve Kerr As reported by Marc Stein, Jazz have made overtures Both David J Smith and Dan Clayton chime in on Kerr Has agreed to coach Golden State

The “In House” Options

Alex Jensen Current Jazz assistant David J Smith on Jensen Available. Jazz have reached agreement with Jensen to stay with team as player development coach.
Brad Jones Current Jazz assistant David J Smith on Jones Available
John Stockton Reported by 1280 that Jazz will have conversation Dan Clayton on Stockton Available
Earl Watson Interested in coaching the Jazz, endorsed by Gordon Hayward May return to playing career, but “would not pass” on Jazz HC job
Sidney Lowe Jazz assistant under Corbin  – Jerry Zgoda reports he’s joining Timberwolves staff

Current NBA assistants linked to the Jazz search

Mike Longabardi A fan favorite since Novak wrote about him, also mentioned by Genessy Laura Thompson on Longabardi Suns’ season over
Quin Snyder One of the top candidates, per Jody Genessy. Matt Pacenza on other ACs Hawks’ season over
Andy Greer Mentioned by Genessy, then discussed by Locke – Bulls’ season over
Adrian Griffin Advanced to a 2nd interview w/ Jazz, per Dnews’ Genessy Ben Dowsett on Griffin Bulls’ season over
David Vanterpool Not linked, but mentioned in TrueHoop “next wave of HCs” piece. – Chicago’s playoff run ended 4/29.
Jack Sikma Locke idea – Available & has been given permission to talk

Collegiate coaches mentioned

Fred Hoiberg Mentioned by Genessy Denim Millward on Hoiberg College season over, but Hoiberg hints he’s staying at ISU
Kevin Ollie A team other than LA has reached out to Ollie, but unclear if it was the Jazz NA Agreed to extension to stay at UConn
Tom Izzo Not publicly linked – Might have discussed Detroit job, but report of offer might be false

Others not yet specifically mentioned in connection with the Jazz job

Ron Adams Not publicly linked Matt Pacenza on other ACs Boston’s season over
David Fizdale Not publicly linked Matt Pacenza on other ACs Miami still in playoffs
Elston Turner Not publicly linked Matt Pacenza on other ACs Memphis’ season over
Stephen Silas Not publicly linked Matt Pacenza on other ACs Charlotte’s playoff run ended 4/28.
Ed Pinckney Not linked, but mentioned in TrueHoop “next wave of HCs” piece – Chicago’s playoff run ended 4/29.
Tony Bennett Not linked, but mentioned in TrueHoop “next wave of HCs” piece – Extended at UVA
Kaleb Canales Not linked – Dallas’ season over
Mike D’Antoni Not linked – As first reported by Ramona Shelburne, out as Laker head coach
Stan Van Gundy Not linked Laura Thompson on how SVG’s job impacts Jazz search Now signed with Detroit to be coach and GM.

 

 

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