Coach of the Worst NBA Team Gets a Contract Extension

Big announcement coming from the Utah Jazz—a team that treats basketball games like I treat going to a doctor’s appointment.

We are excited to extend Will Hardy’s contract as head coach of the Jazz through 2031. Will is a great leader, communicator, and ambassador for our org, and is a tremendous partner to Danny, JZ, and me. Our goal is to hang a banner, and Will is a huge part of this journey. pic.twitter.com/DbIenZzse1

— Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) May 5, 2025

In early December, the Utah Jazz lost to the Portland Trailblazers by 40 and then the Sacramento Kings by 42.

In early May, the Utah Jazz gave their head coach, Will Hardy, a contract extension through the 2030-31 NBA season.

Ok.

Utah won 17 games this season—14 fewer than the season prior. And their head coach is being rewarded.

I understand this organization was intentionally trying to lose games to increase their draft lottery odds, hoping to select Cooper Flagg, one of the best prospects in recent basketball history—but the Jazz were so laser-focused on losing that there is no possible way to assess whether or not Hardy is a great coach because they never allowed themselves to be in situations that required actual coaching.

I’m sure Will Hardy is a great teacher or whatever but let’s say they draft Flagg and then use all their cap room to sign some great co-stars for him—now what?

You have a great basketball instructor teaching the fundamentals to established NBA talent when they instead will need a master in-game chess whiz and a guy who can handle enormous pressure—two skills Will Hardy has never had to prove he possesses.

Congrats to Will Hardy—who will be receiving every penny of that contract, long after he is inevitably fired once the Jazz have real winning expectations. There are two ways to play the game. Will Hardy has a heated driveway for the rest of his life now. Never shoveling again.

Plus, if the Jazz draft Flagg, Hardy will be a legend in Salt Lake. His sacrifice allowed the birth of their Great White Hope.

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