3 candidates to replace Quin Snyder as Utah Jazz head coach

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 18: Quin Snyder head coach of the Utah Jazz calls in a play during the first half of their game against the Washington Wizards December 18, 2021 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

Rumblings turned into reality on Sunday when Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder resigned from his post, ending a successful eight-year tenure with the franchise.

Despite the period of relatively good play in Utah, the team never made the NBA Finals during Snyder’s tenure, even with two of the best players in the league. However, nobody is arguing the successes of Snyder, who should have his pick of jobs down the road if he wants to continue coaching.

The ramifications of Snyder’s decision are already reverberating around the franchise. Sources told ESPN that star Donovan Mitchell was “surprised and disappointed” by Snyder’s departure. He was also said to be “unsettled” and “unnerved.”

This was already going to be a critical offseason for the Jazz, a team seemingly stuck at being good, but not elite with Mitchell and Rudy Gobert as its stars. The consequences of Snyder’s departure could have a big impact on the direction of the franchise.

Who are the best coaching candidates to replace Quin Snyder after his solid eight-year tenure with the Utah Jazz?

Regardless of next season’s personnel, someone is going to need to coach this team. The front office will likely seek a candidate prepared to deal with a team sporting anything from its current two superstars to one or even none of them. All options are on the table.

Additionally, this is late for a coaching change, which perhaps gives the team fewer candidates. The Charlotte Hornets gig remains open, but Darvin Ham and Mike Brown have been snapped up by the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings, respectively.

Here are three candidates for the open coaching role.