While the team has struggled on the court as it is torn down and rebuilt, Hardy has shown he can develop players and is a quality coach.

The 37-year-old began his coaching career under Gregg Popovich, who recently finished his tenure as the San Antonio Spurs’ head coach in a move to become president of the team. After spending 11 seasons with the Spurs, Hardy was the lead assistant coach on the Celtics for one season, before being hired by the Jazz in 2022.

Hardy just completed his third season as the head coach of the Jazz, who are mired in a long-term rebuild, but team governor Ryan Smith stated that the hope is that Hardy will be the head coach of the franchise when it returns to title contention.