Why? I'd like to see what I can do.
Eh.... what do you bring to the table that would excite anyone? Horny is a former and beloved Jazz player, one of the top 5 or 6 former Jazz players, IMO.
No, I wouldn't be more excited. Yes, it can get worse. Hell, there were two inferior coaches in your home state this past season.
How could it get worse? We missed the playoffs, the young guys didn't play enough, our lineups were crap, Al played too much, our defense was worse than ever and our fan base is increasingly apathetic because we're not improving and we're not going to improve with Ty at the helm. Horny could do nothing and it couldn't get worse. Frankly, I can't see how anyone wouldn't be at least marginally more excited about and interested in this team with Horny taking the reins instead of Ty.
Regarding your assertion that there are two inferior coaches in my "home" state, first, it's not my "home" state, I live here, but I grew up in SLC. Second, there is one inferior coach (Keith Smart is the worst coach in the league, IMO). Mark Jackson's team made the playoffs and won a round. It was a pretty respectable year for them. I don't care for him personally, but he's not inferior to Ty. Equal at best, but not inferior.
If it remains to be seen, why do you think he has the tools to be a good coach?
It remains to be seen because Horny hasn't been a head coach. Ty has, and nothing remains to be seen. He's not a very good head coach and he's going to prove it this coming year. I like Ty the person, but just don't think he's good enough. I think Horny will be a good coach for the same reasons I put in my previous post. I'll repeat them again - Horny was a better player than Ty (despite being less athletic... and it has nothing to do with race for those of you who jump to conclusions), was one of the smartest players in the league during his era and has extensive playoff experience. Not to mention that he is the son of a coach (may not help, but it can't hurt). If the Jazz choose to give opportunities to former Jazz players with little or no head coaching experience, there aren't many better options than Horny.
Dave Hopla has a pretty good track record. I don't know about others, as I only really follow the Jazz (I know Hopla because I used to follow the Raps a bit).
Honestly, I have no idea who "Dave Hopla" is, but if you really think one's success as a shooting coach is a good indicator of future head coaching skills, I have nothing to add. I don't think Horny's experience as a shooting coach is an indicative of his future success (positive or negative). Shooting is based on mechanics and individual practice that a shooting coach cannot do. A head coach needs to understand team concepts, which are practiced as a team. I don't credit any coach for Karl Malone's improved shooting skills. It was due to Karl Malone, not some shooting, assistant or head coach.
As long as the team's being handed over to the young guys, I think it was the right decision to give Ty another year. He deserves an opportunity to show what he can do with a roster that isn't a total cluster**** in transition. Given the roster he's had, however, I think the team performed pretty well, finishing about in line with their overall talent.
