The Utah Jazz announced Wednesday that former head coach Frank Layden passed away at 93. The cause of his death was not disclosed.
Layden led Utah from 1981-1989 and amassed 277 wins, the third most in franchise history. He is the only coach in Jazz history to win the NBA Coach of the Year award and was named Executive of the Year in 1984.
"Frank Layden made a lasting impact on the Jazz, the state of Utah and the NBA," the Jazz said in a statement obtained by ESPN. "There will never be another like him. Our thoughts go out to his family as we join in mourning his loss and celebrating his life. Rest easy, Coach."
Layden helped Utah reach the postseason every season from 1982-89 with rosters that were later on composed of a young Karl Malone and John Stockton, whom he helped draft. He also spent the 1998-99 season coaching the Utah Starzz of the WNBA.
Following his passing on Wednesday, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2002 inductee Magic Johnson mourned his death.
“I am sorry to hear about the passing of Coach Frank Layden who coached the Utah Jazz from 1981-1989,” Johnson wrote on his X account Thursday. “Coach Layden made Utah one of the toughest teams for my Lakers to play against because of his brilliant strategies on offense and defense.”
Johnson led the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979-91 and the 1995-96 season and had the opportunity to play against Layden’s Jazz.
“Most people don’t know he also had an awesome sense of humor,” Johnson added. “I will be praying for the Layden family during this difficult time.”