If Snyder does decide to depart the Jazz, a prospective successor will not be identified right away. It all boils down to how Zanik intends to go with Utah's roster.
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Following the Utah Jazz’s first-round elimination in the 2022 NBA playoffs, there has been substantial talk that Quin Snyder might be fired as head coach. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon just added a fresh dimension to this by reporting that Snyder is still debating whether to return to the Jazz for the ninth season. After years of postseason futility, Jazz general manager Justin Zanik has been said to be considering splitting up the core two of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
If Snyder does decide to depart the Jazz, a prospective successor will not be identified right away. It all boils down to how Zanik intends to go with Utah’s roster. A senior head coach makes sense if the organization intends to retool rather than rebuild. If they are rebuilding, Utah may want to go with youth. We take a look at the top three contenders to take over as Utah Jazz head coach if Quin Snyder resigns.
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Danny Ainge, the Jazz’s executive vice president, might leverage his contacts with former Boston Celtics assistants. If Zanik leaves, there are a slew of people that may be of interest to him. Allen, 49, may be the most logical of the bunch. From 2015 to 21, he worked under former Celtics head coach and current club president Brad Stevens. Prior to it, the former NBA player was the head coach of the Penn Quakers for six seasons. Allen most recently worked as an assistant with the Detroit Pistons. The main concern here is a bribery incident that brought Allen and Penn down.
There’s a chance Utah may look within for a replacement for Snyder. This former NBA player turned general manager might be the answer. Demps, 52, held that position with the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans from 2010 to 19 before joining Quin Snyder’s staff in Salt Lake City in 2020. Demps has worked in the player development department. While he has no head coaching experience, it may come in useful if Utah decides to rebuild on a significant basis. The only thing that may prevent this from happening is the Minnesota Timberwolves’ interest in bringing Demps into work under new front office director Tim Connelly.
If Utah did move Rudy Gobert, a shift in attitude on the bench would make sense. That would imply a faster-paced offensive onslaught. If that’s the case, D’Antoni is unquestionably the finest possible candidate. D’Antoni, 71, has guided similar offenses since his days with the Phoenix Suns. Houston’s head coach from 2016 to 20 used an up-tempo offense as well. To achieve the prospective Utah requirement, D’ntoni blends a plan match with historical success.
