The Utah Jazz exercised the option on coach Will Hardy’s contract Friday, locking him up through the 2025-26 season.

Hardy, 36, is entering his third season with the Jazz with a 68-96 record. He is the second-youngest coach in the league behind Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics.

“Will has done a great job of guiding our program and instilling the right values and competitive habits with our young group,” Utah general manager Justin Zanik said in a statement. “The organization looks forward to developing with Will as we strive for long-term success through strategic and deliberate growth.”

Terms of Hardy’s contract were not disclosed.

Before arriving in Utah as the first coach hired by owners Ryan and Ashley Smith, Hardy was an assistant coach for the Celtics (2021-22) and San Antonio Spurs (2016-21).

The Jazz tip off the 2024-25 NBA regular season at home against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 23.

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