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Former Utah coach Frank Layden received the ultimate recognition for his priceless contribution towards the rise of Utah Jazz during the ongoing NBA finals. The award was announced on Sunday by National Basketball Coaching Association.
The award named after former NBA head coach Chuck Daly is given annually to recognise the coach’s contributions in team building. The last recipient of the award was Doug Moe with Pat Riley receiving his in 2011-12.
“Frank Layden represents the very best in coaching”
NBCA president and Dallas’ head coach Rick Carlisle was all praises for the witty operator. “Frank Layden represents the very best in coaching. He built a perennial winner in Utah with the Jazz,” he said.
Frank Layden is the sole winner of the Coach of the Year award for the Jazz franchise.
He won for the 1983-84 season when he led the team to its first ever playoff appearance.#TBT @AFCU pic.twitter.com/BB8GP795pC
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 6, 2018
This was the final and arguably the most remarkable but deserved honour for the man from New York. Layden has already been inducted in as much as 7 halls of fames. The award named after 2 times NBA champion Daly is a serious compliment to man’s contribution. But to do respect for his credentials, this had to be given to him. Limits are for mere mortals, Layden also carved a league of his own.
Layden, 87 now was quick to play down any complacency even at this stage of life. “I don’t really believe I deserve this award, But having come from Brooklyn and having reached a high level of mediocrity in the coaching profession, on behalf of all the C students in the world I’m going to take it anyway,” he said.
Who is Frank Layden?
Frank Layden operated with Utah Jazz in different capacities from 1979-99. So it’s understandable if some of us don’t know the legend. Frank was born in Brooklyn, NY. Known for his colourful personality, Frank was indeed a truly determined and disciplined professional. He is the only one win NBA Coach of the year, NBA executive of the year and the NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in the same year.
Layden worked as a coach, president and director too for Utah Jazz Image: Gettyimages
The retired legend sorely missed his friend Daly, himself a legend on and off the field. “Chuck Daly was a very good friend of mine for many years before either of us were connected with the NBA, and it is an honour to be recognized by an award of his namesake.” Check out The Geek Herald for more exciting updates.
