The Jazz slipped to 1‑8 after a Friday loss to Dallas, but owner Ryan Smith publicly stood behind coach Will Hardy and president of basketball operations Austin Ainge, reports Na’Andre Emerson of The Deseret News.
Will’s our guy. Austin’s our guy. We aren’t changing a thing, Smith told KSL’s “Scotty G. & The Coach” podcast. We’re going to push through together. We have CEO Danny (Ainge), and I love our group.
Smith tackled fan frustration, the growth of young talent and the expectations for a squad that hoped to advance this season after four rebuilding years, Emerson notes.
While his tone stayed hopeful, Smith admitted the 2026/27 campaign hasn’t begun as planned, citing injuries to frontcourt starters Jusuf Nurkic and Jaren Jackson Jr., and voiced displeasure with the current play.
The inconsistency is maddening for everyone, but it takes time, he said.
Emerson says Smith pointed to the promising core of Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey as proof that brighter days lie ahead in Utah, though he warned that nurturing youth while winning is a tough balance.
Growth isn’t a straight line for any of them, Smith added. The only path forward is giving them minutes, and they’re finally getting enough.
Smith insists the Jazz aren’t panicking despite the rough start. He remains convinced the team can eventually chase championships, highlighting the youngsters, George’s rookie‑scale extension and Jackson’s loyalty. He also reminded everyone that Utah holds a cache of first‑round picks and the cap space to upgrade later. In my view, Utah’s depth will pay off soon.
There are only so many levers you can pull at this point in the season, Smith said. We’re viewing this as a two‑, three‑, four‑year project, with a championship goal. Can the Jazz turn the corner and contend for a title?