Randy Rigby Retires as Jazz President: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Utah Jazz president Randy Rigby announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 2015-16 season, after three decades with the franchise in a statement released by the team Wednesday:

"

In my career reflections, I have decided that after 30 wonderful years with the Utah Jazz and Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment to announce my retirement at the end of this season. I want to thank my family, the Miller family, the Jazz and NBA family, and this great community for the incredible memories, experiences, support and people that have been part of this choice journey. I am excited about the future of the Jazz and my continued involvement as an adviser. I look forward to remaining involved in the community and in pursuing new opportunities both personally and professionally. It has been a privilege to be part of this first-class organization.

"

Rigby has been with the franchise since 1986. He will stay on with the organization as a special adviser beginning in the 2016-17 season.

The Jazz subsequently announced Steve Starks will take over Rigby's post. Starks has been the president of Larry H. Miller Sports and Entertainment, the overarching company that owns the franchise, since 2015. 

“Randy has had a remarkable career and contributed in so many ways,” Gail Miller, owner of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, said. “He has been an excellent representative of the Jazz at the NBA level and in the community. We have been fortunate to have had his guiding hand on the franchise. Beyond his work, our family has appreciated his loyalty and friendship through the years."    

Under Rigby's stewardship, the Jazz have made 22 playoff appearances, including in each of his first 17 seasons. His tenure was highlighted by the era spearheaded by one of the most potent combinations in NBA history, Karl Malone and John Stockton.

Since the departures of Stockton and Malone, Rigby has been on board for the selection of former All-Star Deron Williams, whose 2011 trade helped spark the team's current era of young talent.

Rigby has also been instrumental on the Jazz's business side of things, most notably landing the franchise revenue-generating multimedia deals. The team also credits him with helping revive the Utah Summer League, which returned in 2015 after a six-year absence. While most casual fans haven't heard of Rigby, he's been an instrumental face in Utah basketball since the 1980s. His departure marks the end of an era.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.