Frank Layden

Francis Patrick Layden (January 5, 1932 – July 9, 2025) was an American basketball coach and executive for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was named both the NBA Coach of the Year and NBA Executive of the Year in 1984. Layden was also head coach of the Utah Starzz of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Early life Layden grew up in Brooklyn and was an All-City basketball and baseball player at Fort Hamilton High School. He played three seasons of varsity basketball and baseball at Niagara University. He also spent one season as freshman basketball coach. In 1960, he became head basketball coach at Seton Hall High School in Patchogue, New York. In 1966, he became athletic director at Adelphi Suffolk College.

Niagara (1968–1976) In 1968, Layden was named varsity basketball coach at Niagara. He compiled a 119-97 record over eight seasons, including two NIT appearances (1972 and 1976) and the school's first trip to the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament (1970). His Niagara players included Calvin Murphy, Marshall Wingate, and Andy Walker. He also served as the team's director of player personnel. In December 1981, he replaced Tom Nissalke as head coach after the team got off to a 8–12 start.

Layden was responsible for drafting and developing franchise mainstays Darrell Griffith, Mark Eaton, John Stockton, and Karl Malone, and trading for Adrian Dantley. The Jazz made the playoffs every season from 1984 to 1988. In 1984, Layden was awarded the NBA's Coach of the Year, the NBA's Executive of the Year, and the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Awards.

In 1986, Layden was given the title of vice president of basketball operations and continued to make player personnel decisions. The following season, he was succeeded as general manager by team president Dave Checketts. Layden intended on retiring after the 1988–89 season, but resigned on December 9, 1988, citing job pressure and abuse from fans. At the time of his resignation, the Jazz had an 11–6 record and were leading the Midwest Division. He was succeeded by assistant coach Jerry Sloan. He remained with the Jazz as team president until his retirement on December 28, 1999.

Utah Starzz (1998–1999) In 1998, Layden returned to coaching with the Utah Starzz of the Women's National Basketball Association, replacing Denise Taylor after a 6-13 start. The team won 2 of its 11 games after Layden took over. He returned for the 1999 season, but resigned after four games. He was replaced by assistant and former USC Trojans women's basketball coach Fred Williams.

Retirement and death Layden continued to live with his wife, Barbara, in Salt Lake City, where he died on July 9, 2025, at the age of 93.

Head coaching record NBA

WNBA