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The Utah Jazz's timeline isn't clear to everyone. However, it is clear that plan has been put in jeopardy following head coach Quin Snyder's departure. Reports emerged that Snyder will step down from the team, leaving the Jazz without a leader at the helm.
News of the coaching vacancy comes at the worst possible time for the Jazz. Snyder's absence is rumored to have stirred up already disgruntled young star Donovan Mitchell. If Utah wants to keep its core together, the front office needs to act fast. A reported list of head coaching candidates suggests they're doing just that. A list of seven head coaching candidates for the Jazz has surfaced, per the Athletic's Tony Jones.
Jones reports that Utah is looking for a coach that “command buy-in and respect from the roster” and that internal discussions about the coaching search will take place as early as this morning.
There are few key names on the Jazz's initial shortlist. Terry Stotts is the only one with head coaching experience. Stotts spent nine seasons with the Portland Trailblazers. He oversaw the development of high-level talents in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. The Blazers reached the 2019 Western Conference Finals under Stotts.
Beyond the former head coach, there are some intriguing fresh faces on the list. Current Jazz assistant Alex Jensen is expected to garner interest. Jensen served directly under Snyder and is highly familiar with the locker room. Additionally, former Jazz and current Knicks assistant Johnnie Bryant offers a similar pedigree.
Other names on the list include Kevin Young, Charles Lee and Adrian Griffin. All of the remaining candidates beyond Stotts are younger assistants looking to break through.
It's obvious the Jazz are willing to try something new, which could work out well for them. Regardless, Utah needs to act fast.
