Former Jazz coach and GM Frank Layden dies at 93

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Frank Layden, the sharp-witted former coach who led the Utah Jazz to the playoffs for the first time, has died. He was 93.

“Frank Layden made a lasting impact on the Jazz, the state of Utah, and the NBA,” the Jazz said in a statement Wednesday. “There will never be another like him. Our thoughts go out to his family as we join in mourning his loss and celebrating his life. Rest easy, Coach.”

Known for his humor and sideline antics, Layden coached the Jazz from 1981-89 and had 277 wins, third-most in franchise history. He's the only coach in Jazz history to be named NBA coach of the year, earning the honor in 1984, when he also was honored as executive of the year.

Among the best one-liners attributed to him was one about a problem player he coached: “I told him, ‘Son, what is it with you? Is it ignorance or apathy?’ He said ‘Coach, I don’t know and I don't care.'"

For years, including during his time coaching the Jazz, Layden struggled with his weight, leading him to quip: “I don't know but I stepped on a scale that gives fortunes and the card read ‘Come back in 15 minutes alone.’”

Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Layden began his coaching career in the high school ranks before moving on to coach at his alma mater, Niagara University. He made the jump to the NBA in 1976 on Hubie Brown's staff with the Atlanta Hawks and became the New Orleans Jazz's general manager in 1979.

Layden moved with the team to Salt Lake City, then took over as coach after Tom Nissalke was fired midway through the 1981-82 season. Layden led the franchise to its first playoff appearance in his second season. Layden stepped away from coaching early in the 1988-89 season and was replaced by future Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan.

Layden stayed on as the team's president and general manager, part of a staff that selected Hall of Famers John Stockton and Karl Malone. He spent one season as coach of the WNBA's Utah Starzz in 1998-99.

“It’s hard to imagine the story of the Utah Jazz without the presence of Frank Layden," Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith said. “He was an amazing person who meant so much to this organization and to our fans. His love of the sport was felt around the NBA, and he set the franchise on a course for success, helping to build an enduring legacy for the state of Utah.”

Layden remained in the Salt Lake City area after leaving coaching and earned the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

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FILE - Frank Layden, former president of the Utah Jazz, is introduced during a 20-year reunion ceremony for the team that reached the 1997 NBA Finals, at halftime of the Jazz's basketball game against the New York Knicks on March 22, 2017, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool, File)

WOODBRIDGE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 12, 2026--

ChemWerth, Inc., a global leader in generic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development and supply, continues to expand its footprint and strengthen its position in the Indian market. To support its growth in the region, ChemWerth has hired Chandrakanth Reddy as general sales manager of its India office.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260111302280/en/

“The addition of a general sales manager in India signals our desire to grow our presence and customer base in the world’s most important generic pharmaceutical market,” said Pete Werth III, president, ChemWerth. “Chandrakanth will add tremendous value for our customers and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) in India.”

Reddy is a seasoned pharmaceutical professional with more than 16 years of experience spanning API sourcing, business development, market expansion and regulatory-driven commercial strategy. He has successfully led high-value markets across India, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and the United States, building strong customer partnerships and supporting sustainable revenue growth.

In his new role, Reddy will be responsible for leading ChemWerth’s sales strategy in India and strengthening regional customer relationships. He will also support the company’s focused initiative to roll out new generic APIs in the market, including fermentation, peptide and oncology injectable APIs.

“After reviewing ChemWerth’s strategic plan to unveil a strong pipeline of new generic fermentation, peptide and oncology injectable APIs for the Indian market, I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Reddy.

About ChemWerth, Inc.:

Established in 1982, ChemWerth is a full-service generic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development and supply company providing cGMP-quality APIs to regulated markets worldwide. ChemWerth is a global company headquartered in the United States, with offices in China and India. For more information, please visit www.chemwerth.com.

Chandrakanth Reddy has joined ChemWerth, Inc., as general sales manager of its India office.