Former Utah Jazz president, general manager and team president Frank Layden is recuperating at home after being hospitalized for almost a week with a blood clot in his lung.
Layden, 77, experienced pain in his chest June 10 and was taken to the hospital by his wife, Barbara. Tests showed that Layden, who battled pneumonia a month ago, had a blood clot in his left lung. Layden was immediately hospitalized and spent three nights in the intensive care unit. After another few days in the hospital, he returned home Tuesday, where he will continue to recover.
"Things seem to be under control now," Layden said Wednesday. "I am well on the road to recovery. ... I just have be a good boy."
Layden said he received scores of phone calls and get well cards from well-wishers during his illness.
"I heard from a lot of wonderful people," he said. "That was very nice and I appreciate it very much."
Layden joined the Jazz in 1979, prior to the franchise's move from New Orleans to Utah. He replaced Tom Nissalke as coach on Dec. 10, 1981, and compiled a 277-294 record over the next four years.
In 1983-84, Layden was named the NBA's executive and coach of the year after guiding the Jazz to their first division championship.
Layden was also named winner of the J. Walter Kennedy citizenship award, which is given by the Professional Basketball Writers of America for outstanding work in the community.
Layden stepped down as coach of the Jazz on Dec. 9, 1988 and replaced by assistant Jerry Sloan.
