SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Utah Jazz announced Thursday that they would be honoring former coach Frank Layden with a jersey patch to be worn during the 2025-2026 NBA season.
The patch will feature Frank’s name on the left chest of all Jazz jerseys to commemorate his impact on the franchise. Jazz coaches will also wear a “1” circle patch on their warm-ups during the upcoming season, signifying Layden’s symbolic jersey, which was retired in 1989.
Frank Layden, former president of the Utah Jazz, is introduced during a 20-year reunion ceremony for the team that reached the 1997 NBA Finals, at halftime of the Jazz’s basketball game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)
“Few people have had a greater influence on the Utah Jazz than Frank Layden,” Utah Jazz President Jim Olson said. “Our history would not be complete without Frank, and his influence continues to resonate far beyond the court.”
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The Jazz legend passed away in July of 2025 at the age of 93.
Layden began with the Jazz as general manager in 1979 and was instrumental in shaping the franchise when the team relocated to Salt Lake City. Later on, Layden became the head coach in 1981 and continued to coach until 1988.
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In 1984, Layden received the NBA Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year, and the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award all in the same season. He remains the only person to do so.
Years later, he coached the WNBA team known as the Utah Starzz during the 1998 and 1999 seasons.
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Layden led the Jazz to a division title in the 1983-84 season when he was named the NBA Coach of the Year and NBA Executive of the Year. Layden was the coach when the Jazz drafted future Hall of Famers John Stockton and Karl Malone.
The Miller Family issued a statement following Layden’s passing, saying, “We are sad to hear the news of Frank Layden’s passing. Frank was not only a foundational part of the Utah Jazz, he was a pillar in our community. We will continue to celebrate his passion and energy that helped build the Jazz into a contending team, and his endearing sense of humor. Frank’s love of sports was contagious. He could often be found spending a night at the ballpark with the Salt Lake Bees, leading us in song during the 7th inning stretch. He was a dear friend and remarkable partner. We share our love with Barbara, Scott and the extended Layden family.”
“He brought everybody together, and I hope that’s part of that legacy that people will remember as well,” said Jazz play-by-play announcer Craig Bolerjack.
“If we had a Mount Rushmore in Utah of significant sports figures, he’d be right there, right there at the top,” said former sportswriter Lee Benson.
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“Wearing this patch is more than a symbol — it is a way for our players and coaches to carry his legacy with them every time they take the floor,” Olson added.
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