The front of the Utah Jazz bench has a new occupant.
Needing a replacement with the departure of Igor Kokoskov to the Phoenix Suns, the Jazz have promoted assistant coach Tony Lang, who has been instrumental in the development of big men such as Derrick Favors.
Lang has been with the Jazz since 2014 when head coach Quin Snyder took the job. Since, he has developed a reputation as a hard-working coach with an affable personality.
“I’m happy to be a part of a special group,” Lang told The Tribune on Saturday evening. “We have special players, special coaches, special ownership. This is a special organization and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Like Snyder, Lang played at Duke University, helping Grant Hill lead the Blue Devils to the 1994 NCAA title game, before losing to Arkansas as a versatile power forward. Lang then went on to play in the NBA with the Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers, among other teams.
The Jazz have yet to name a lead assistant in Kokoskov’s stead.
