OREM — The Utah Flash, Orem-based NBA Development League of the Jazz, announced Saturday that they've decided against offering a new contract to head coach Brad Jones.
The firing was solely the decision of the Flash, and the Jazz had no input into it.
Jones, an ex-Jazz scout and nephew-by-marriage of Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, led the Flash to the 2009 D-League finals.
They had an 84-66 regular-season record in Jones' three years with the minor-league team, including 28-22 and a first-round playoff exit this past season.
"We picked the right guy to help us start our franchise and it has been a pleasure working with Coach Jones," Flash president Joe Brown said in a statement released by the team, which also is an affiliate of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. "After careful consideration we have decided that we now want to move in a different direction."
"I have no doubt Brad will make a significant contribution wherever he decides to go."
The search for a new coach already is underway, according to the release.
The decision, Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor suggested Saturday night, will have no impact on the NBA team's affiliation for next season.
"It's a good affiliation," said O'Connor, who had no comment on the coaching move.
e-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com