SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The Utah Jazz face an unexpected search for a new coach.

Utah was prepared to enter next season with Quin Snyder at the helm until the head coach unexpectedly stepped down after eight seasons. The two sides had recently discussed an extension with Snyder, who still had two years left on his contract. They did not reach an agreement before Snyder decided to step away.

"We have spent the last few weeks talking, Quin and I, a lot about a lot of different things. And I think it's pretty clear, we desperately wanted him to stay," team CEO Danny Ainge said during a news conference Monday, a day after Snyder announced he is leaving. "And at the same time, I've walked away from coaching and I walked away from being a general manager after 18 years in Boston, and so I trust that Quin knows more what's best for him and his family, much more than we do."