Quin Snyder had one year remaining on his contract to coach the Utah Jazz, but the team announced Friday it had signed him to a long-term extension. From NBA.com:
“With this contract extension, we are declaring our confidence in Coach Snyder’s ability to continue to develop the Utah Jazz into a championship team,” said Gail Miller, owner of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. “The Miller family recognizes the significant progress made under his leadership and we are excited about the direction we are headed.”
“Our relationship with Quin, and this extension, reflect our shared passion for building a championship team,” said Steve Starks, president of the Utah Jazz. “With long-term contracts now in place for Quin, Dennis and other key front office personnel, we are well-positioned for the future.”
“We have continued to take significant steps as a team under Quin’s direction,” said Jazz General Manager Dennis Lindsey. “His work ethic, basketball intelligence and ability to connect with and develop our players make him the ideal head coach of the Jazz.”
The Jazz have gone 38-44 and 40-42 under Snyder since he got there in 2014. Even though Utah has missed the playoffs both times, there’s been progress in two short years. Most notably, the defense has improved. The Jazz allowed the fewest points per game in Snyder’s first season and finished second in that category this season.
Now all Snyder has to do is figure out a way to get the offense going. Utah has finished in the bottom five in points per game the last three seasons. But the move to keep Snyder around long-term is a good one.
