Jazz, coach Hardy agree to extension through '31

The Utah Jazz and coach Will Hardy have agreed to a multiyear extension through 2031, owner Ryan Smith announced Monday.

"Will is a great leader, communicator, and ambassador for our org, and is a tremendous partner to [CEO Danny Ainge], [GM Justin Zanik], and me," Smith said in a social media post. "Our goal is to hang a banner, and Will is a huge part of this journey."

Hardy, 37, was hired to coach the Jazz prior to the 2022-23 season and has compiled an 85-161 record in his three seasons, with no playoff appearances. The Jazz finished fifth in the Northwest Division this season with a 17-65 record.

"I'm humbled and honored," Hardy said, according to the team. "This is an incredible franchise. To be able to be committed to the next phase of our process is hard to explain. Moments like this are very surreal. I'm so excited."

Hardy has been tasked with the developmental years of the Jazz's rebuild. Prior to joining the Jazz, Hardy worked as an assistant under the Spurs' Gregg Popovich (2015-2021) and the Celtics' Ime Udoka, reaching the NBA Finals in his only season with Boston in 2022.

He also served as an assistant with USA Basketball for the gold-medal-winning 2020 team at the Tokyo Olympics.