The Utah Jazz have opted to activate the fifth-year option on coach Will Hardy’s contract as of Friday.
Hardy had signed a four-year deal in 2022, which included a team option for an additional year. This decision ensures he will stay with the team through the 2026-27 season.
Entering his third season with the Jazz, Hardy has achieved a record of 68 wins and 96 losses, with no playoff appearances.
“We love Will,” stated Jazz CEO Danny Ainge. “We appreciate the direction he is taking and the teammate he is. He’s really enthusiastic about developing these young players. We’re glad he’s part of us.”
The team traded away all-stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell before Hardy began coaching, focusing on a significant rebuilding effort during his tenure.
Hardy is expected to play a key role in this rebuilding process. The decision to extend his contract follows the restructuring of all-star forward Lauri Markkanen’s deal just a month earlier. Markkanen agreed to a $238 million contract over five years to stay in Utah.
Before joining the Jazz, Hardy worked as an assistant coach in Boston and San Antonio. He is the second youngest head coach in the NBA.
Ainge mentioned that Hardy’s skills in player development made it an easy choice to pick up the option.
“He does a great job of communicating with the players and building relationships one-on-one,” Ainge said. “Will loves to learn. He’s had great mentors in the past and watches what other teams are doing. The communication is what sets him apart.”
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