Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz exercised its option on head coach Tyrone Corbin's contract through the 2013-14 season.
"It's a tremendous honor," Corbin said. "I appreciate the Miller family and the Jazz organization for having more confidence in me to continue to be the head coach of this team."
Corbin has been through a lot in his first two years as head coach. He had the difficult task of taking over midseason for a legendary coach Jerry Sloan.
Then his job became even more difficult when All-Star point guard Deron Williams was traded to New Jersey. The Jazz struggled for the rest of the 2010-11 season after that trade and the team missed the playoffs.
Related:
Corbin needs to tap team's talent to get Jazz in postseason
Without a true superstar, the Jazz have a roster stocked with good talent. Now it's up to Tyrone Corbin to use that talent. The third-year coach has to be willing to play the hot hand and not stay with veterans if they're not producing.Then there was the lockout which prevented Corbin from having a full training camp and preseason to work with his team. He did lead the Jazz to a 36-30 record in a lockout shortened season earning a trip to the playoffs.
He believes the way he and the team dealt with the challenges of last season earned the vote of confidence from Jazz management and ownership.
"They appreciate what we did last year. The way the team grew together, the way we stuck together," Corbin said. "They wanted to reward me along with the guys for the job that we did last year."
Players were glad to hear of the decision to extend Corbin's contract and are also glad that there is one less thing to worry about.
"We can just focus on basketball," said Gordon Hayward.
Corbin's straight-forward and honest approach is something the players appreciate.
"He's always going to let you know how it is 100 percent and you've got to respect a man for that," said Al Jefferson. "It's a good move to know that he will be the head coach for another year after this year."
"He's a player's coach," said Mo Williams. "He played the game. He's young coaching this game so he's continuing to grow just like all us players. I think he's doing a great job."
Corbin appreciates the vote of confidence that comes with an extension but he's been in this league a long time. He still feels the pressure each every day to win in the NBA.
"It's a pressure business. I put pressure on myself to be good," Corbin said. "That's part of the business. If you can't handle it then you're in the wrong place."
