Utah Jazz notebook: Frank Layden has jersey retired at Niagara

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Jerry Sloan used to say he would've been fine spending his entire career coaching behind Frank Layden.

That's how much the Hall of Fame coach appreciated and admired his old boss.

It's been a year since Sloan joined Layden in the NBA retirement ranks, but the respect in that relationship remains close to the heart of one particular Utah Jazz assistant coach.

Scott Layden expressed gratitude to the man who became a coaching legend after reluctantly taking over for his dad in 1988.

"I appreciate more than anything his unbelievable loyalty to my father, because as an assistant coach he was fiercely loyal," Layden said of Sloan. "I'll never forget that."

Sloan always had the best interest of the Jazz organization in his mind, Layden said. That remained the case even when he could've — and others might've — tried to work things to favor his situation over the team's success. Layden recognized that as an assistant and as the Jazz's director of player personnel. Sloan didn't try to mortgage the future to make trades for picks or players.

"He always had the franchise's best interest at heart," Layden said, "and I know that."

Sloan looked out for Layden's father as well.

While Friday marked the one-year anniversary of Sloan resigning, Saturday was a big day for the Laydens. Frank Layden, who recently turned 80, had his jersey retired in a ceremony at Niagara University, where he succeeded as a player (1951-55) and coach (1968-76) for the Purple Eagles.

Layden called it a "wonderful honor" to return home for the tribute.

Layden, one of the most influential people in Jazz franchise history, continues to have an impact on the organization.

Corbin invited the gifted speaker to address his newly formed coaching staff before the 2011-12 season. Layden's message included bits of wisdom about "being a team on the staff and being on the same page," Corbin said. Layden offered pointers on preparation and game situations.

"He's been a tremendous influence," Corbin said. "He's done a tremendous job of working (for) this franchise from the time they came into Salt Lake, and he's been a tremendous presence in this community for a lot a lot of years."