Jazz Owner Keeps Staff After 1-8 Start
Ryan Smith says the team will stay the course despite a rough start, with a championship timeline of two to four years.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Basketball
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Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith declined to change the team's coaching staff or front office after the club opened the season 1-8. Smith said he was frustrated by the team's inconsistency this season.
Why it matters
The Jazz were expected to compete for a playoff spot, so the slow start puts pressure on the franchise's rebuilding plan. Smith's decision signals that ownership is willing to wait through a difficult stretch for the team to develop.
The Jazz are 1-8 to open the season after being projected to contend for a playoff berth. Smith's stated timeline for a championship is two, three, or four years.
The players
Ryan Smith
Ryan Smith is the owner of the Utah Jazz who made the decision to keep the current coaching staff and front office.
Will Hardy
Will Hardy is the head coach of the Utah Jazz, whose position was affirmed by ownership after the team's slow start.
Austin Ainge
Austin Ainge is a member of the Utah Jazz front office who remains in charge of basketball operations.
Danny Ainge
Danny Ainge is a longtime Utah Jazz executive who continues to lead the team's front office alongside his son Austin.
The details
Smith confirmed the decision in an interview on KSL's "Scotty G. & The Coach" podcast, saying the team will work through this period together. He described becoming an NBA contender as a process that takes time, even as the front office led by Austin Ainge and Danny Ainge and head coach Will Hardy remain in place.
Timeline
Last season: Utah made a major trade for Jaren Jackson Jr.
This season: the Jazz started 1-8 with no coaching or front office changes.
Smith's stated timeline: two, three, or four years to win a championship.
Roadmap
The Jazz have been rebuilding for several years under the Ainge front office, and the 1-8 start continues that pattern of accepting losses in pursuit of a long-term title window. Ownership's willingness to wait two to four years mirrors the patient approach the franchise has taken since its last playoff push.
The Jazz's slow start affects fantasy rosters and playoff expectations for the season, as the team's record now puts a postseason berth in doubt. Fans should expect the current lineup and coaching staff to remain in place for the foreseeable future.
The takeaway
Ownership's decision shows that the Jazz are prioritizing a multi-year build over a quick turnaround, so patience will matter for the team's next several seasons. Readers tracking the franchise should watch whether results improve before the next major roster move.
Further reading
For more on the team's trajectory, see Basketball coverage across Salt Lake City.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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