His shining moment came at the Metrodome in Minneapolis when, after first hitting a shot to tie the game and send it to overtime, Hornacek hit the game winning shot in overtime, a 26-foot jumper at the buzzer, to give ISU its first NCAA tournament victory since 1944, beating Miami University, March 14, 1986, 81–79.

Orr, who had previously left Michigan to coach at Iowa State, called it the greatest victory of his career.

First, the Los Angeles Lakers packaged it in the deal to acquire Byron Scott from the San Diego Clippers before the 1983–84 season.

This trio led the Suns to four straight NBA playoff appearances, including two Western Conference Finals.

Midway through the 1993–94 season (February 24) he was traded to the Utah Jazz (for Jeff Malone) where he could return to his natural shooting guard position alongside John Stockton.

It was revealed that he has no left meniscus due to wear and tear on his body, so bad that he could have needed knee reconstruction because it also is arthritic.

One of the best free throw shooters in the league, once making 67 in a row (November 12, 1999 – January 6, 2000), one of his most well-known mannerisms was stroking the side of his face three times before every free-throw attempt.

Coach Jerry Sloan and Jazz announcer "Hot Rod" Hundley referred to Hornacek affectionately as "Horny".

[8][9] In May 2008 Hornacek interviewed for a coaching position with the Chicago Bulls, meeting with general manager John Paxson.

[9] After the departure of Jerry Sloan and Phil Johnson in February 2011, Jeff Hornacek became a full assistant coach with the Utah Jazz.

In his first game as head coach at the Summer League, he helped lead the team to an 82–69 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Suns went on a six-game winning streak before ultimately losing in the inaugural championship round to the Golden State Warriors 91–77.

However, malcontent surrounding the Knicks between the front office and some of their players resulted in Hornacek having a 31–51 record by the end of the season.

[21] Hornacek considers his father, alongside Cotton Fitzsimmons and Jerry Sloan, as an influence towards his coaching career.

[25] Jeff has two brothers, one named John,[26] who played his senior season at Lyons Township High School in 1990.

[27] Hornacek was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Salt Lake City in 2002.