The Utah Jazz decided on Friday to activate the fifth-year option on coach Will Hardy’s contract.
Hardy initially signed a four-year deal with the Jazz in 2022, which included a team option for an extra year. This means he will remain with the team until the end of the 2026-27 season.
As he enters his third season with the Jazz, Hardy has a record of 68 wins and 96 losses, without any playoff appearances.
“We love Will,” said Jazz CEO Danny Ainge. “We love the direction he is going. We love the teammate he is. He’s really excited this year to develop these young players. We’re excited he’s a part of us.”
Utah traded away all-stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell before Hardy even started coaching. The team has been focusing on a major rebuilding effort during his time.
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.”
