Will Hardy reportedly a leading candidate for Jazz coaching vacancy

The Utah Jazz view Boston Celtics assistant Will Hardy as the leading candidate for the team’s vacant head coaching job, according to Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake City Tribune. 

Larsen notes that Utah’s decision-makers reportedly favor a young candidate to replace Quin Snyder.

Snyder left the Jazz earlier this month after an eight-year stint. Utah has interviewed roughly 15 candidates for the position, searching for the right replacement to guide the team back into contention.

Hardy started his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs as a video intern in 2010. He was the team’s video coordinator from 2013 to 2015, then became an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich. He was hired by the Celtics when former Spurs assistant Ime Udoka took that head coaching job last year.

In addition to Hardy, the Jazz are also strongly considering Phoenix Suns assistant Kevin Young, according to Larsen. The 40-year-old was an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers from 2017-20, then was hired by current Suns head coach Monty Williams. Before that, he served as an assistant at Utah Valley University and coached in the G League.