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Jerry Sloan, who was the head coach of the Utah Jazz, has died at the age of 78.
Introduction
On May 22, 2020, Jerry Sloan, a former player for the Baltimore Bullets and the Chicago Bulls, as well as a head coach for both the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz, passed away at the age of 78. He reportedly succumbed to complications linked to Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, conditions he had revealed to the public in April 2016.
Early Life
Born and raised in Gobbler’s Knob, Illinois, just 15 miles south of McLeansboro, he graduated from McLeansboro High School in 1960 where he earned recognition as an all-state basketball player. Afterward, he went on to attend the University of Evansville in Indiana, playing for the school's team, the Purple Aces, between 1962 and 1965.
Basketball Playing Career
During the 1964 NBA draft, he was picked as the 19th overall choice by the Baltimore Bullets, but chose to continue his college education instead at the University of Evansville. He guided the Evansville Purple Aces to two consecutive national championships in Division II. When the 1965 NBA draft rolled around, the Baltimore Bullets selected him again, this time with the fourth overall pick. Jerry took to the court for the Bullets during the 1965-1966 NBA season.
The Chicago Bulls organization was established in 1966 as an expansion team. NBA In the expansion draft of 1966, the Chicago Bulls claimed Sloan, who became affectionately known as “ The Original Bull .” Renowned for his fierce defensive skills, he played a key role in leading the Bulls to the playoffs during their inaugural season. Additionally, in 1975, he guided them to their first division title before the rise of Michael Jordan in the 1980s and 1990s.
Sloan had an 11-season career in the NBA from 1965 until 1976, after which he hung up his jersey due to ongoing knee issues. Throughout his playing days, he earned spots on 2 NBA All-Star teams (1967, 1969), was recognized with 4 selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969, 1972, 1974, 1975), and made the All-Defensive Second Team twice (1970, 1971). His number 4 jersey was the first to be retired by the Chicago Bulls on February 17, 1978, as he concluded his playing career with a total of 10,571 points, 5,615 rebounds, and 1,925 assists.
Basketball Coaching Career
In 1976, Sloan took on the head coaching role at his former university, the University of Evansville, but left after only five days. This decision turned out to be fortuitous as the entire Evansville basketball team and coaching staff tragically died in a plane crash later that same season. A few years later, he joined the Chicago Bulls as a scout and quickly ascended to an assistant coaching position within a year.
By 1979, Sloan was elevated to the head coaching position of the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, his tenure was short-lived, and he was dismissed in his third year after achieving a record of 94 wins against 121 losses. Subsequently, he served as a scout for the Utah Jazz for a single season before becoming an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz from 1985 to 1988.
In 1988, he took over as the head coach of the Utah Jazz , where he saw tremendous success. Under his leadership, the Jazz experienced 16 straight winning seasons and made the playoffs 15 times in a row. He coached illustrious players like Karl Malone and John Stockton, leading the team to six division championships and two Western Conference titles.
During his two visits to the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, Sloan's Jazz faced off against Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls, although they were unable to secure the championship. Nevertheless, those teams posed a significant challenge to the Bulls. Over his time with the Jazz, Sloan achieved 50 or more wins in 10 different seasons, a feat matched only by legendary coaches Phil Jackson and Pat Riley at that time. NBA Finals appearances In April 2009, he was honored with induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. On February 10, 2011, he stepped down from his role as head coach of the Utah Jazz. However, he returned in 2013 as a consultant, providing advice and scouting insights. To commemorate his achievements, the Utah Jazz raised a banner in 2014 displaying the number 1,223, representing his total wins from regular season play and playoffs between 1988 and 2011. Sloan and Gregg Popovich stand as the only coaches in NBA history to exceed 1,000 wins with the same team. He will be remembered for his fierce playing style and his straightforward coaching philosophy, characterized by determination and discipline.
"Jerry Sloan will always represent the identity of the Utah Jazz. His legacy will forever be intertwined with our organization as we join his family, friends, and supporters in remembering his contributions,\" stated the Utah Jazz in a heartfelt announcement. "We are eternally grateful for his accomplishments and the years of commitment, loyalty, and resolve he brought to our franchise. \" basketball "Much like [John] Stockton and [Karl] Malone, Jerry Sloan embodied everything our organization stands for. He will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Tammy, his family, and everyone who loved and respected him.\"
Media Statements
" Jerry Sloan was undeniably one of the most admired and respected figures in the NBA ,\" remarked NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. "After a remarkable All-Star playing career that shaped the Chicago Bulls in their formative years, he went on to become one of the most successful coaches in NBA history during his 23 seasons with the Utah Jazz – the second-longest coaching tenure in the league. He was the first coach to reach 1,000 victories with a single team, embodying the traits that defined his Hall of Fame career: tenacity, discipline, and selflessness.\"
"His tenure of over 40 years in the league coincided with an era of remarkable growth for the NBA, during which we were fortunate to benefit from his humility, grace, and integrity. Our thoughts are with Jerry's wife, Tammy, their family, and all who knew and respected him, including former players, colleagues, and the Bulls and Jazz organizations.\"
"Jerry Sloan was known as 'The Original Bull,' and his relentless defense and effort exemplified both the franchise and the city of Chicago,\" said Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of the Chicago Bulls. "From the team's inception through the mid-'70s, Jerry represented the face of our organization. It is fitting that his jersey number 4 was the first to be retired by the team. He was not only a remarkable player and a Hall of Fame coach, but also an exceptional human being. Our condolences go to the Sloan family and all of his dedicated fans.\"
"He consistently rose to the occasion during his time with the Bulls,\" remarked former Chicago Bulls general manager Rod Thorn. "He played with determination every night. You could always count on him. Many players can be inconsistent, but Jerry's effort was something you could rely on nightly.\"
"I believe the essence of the Utah Jazz is Jerry Sloan,\" former Utah Jazz player Mark Eaton reflected. "The franchise is built upon the principles and strategies he instilled in the team during the '90s. I see that still today, especially when players make commendable efforts on the court. The crowd's reaction to such moments speaks to the legacy of hard work he created.\"
"This is what this market and team have become known for. He was widely respected throughout the league for his single-minded approach that yielded results, and it united everyone from ownership to players in a shared vision; I think that is his enduring legacy.\"
Darrell Griffith stated, " He ranks among the elite coaches in the NBA even without a championship title. His contributions to the team and the sport as a whole are undeniable. Over 23 years, he shaped the franchise into what it is today. He deserves to be recognized as a Hall of Fame coach, and his legacy speaks for itself. He will forever be considered one of the greats.\"
"I've had my fair share of disputes with players throughout my time in the league,\" Jerry Sloan once stated. "There's only so much energy one can expend, and I've felt my energy dwindling.\"
"I don't focus on statistics and records,\" Sloan expressed in 2010. "That has never been my inclination. I've been fortunate to work with a wonderful organization that has allowed me to remain here for so many years. I am very grateful for that and for my coaching staff. This isn’t about me; it’s about the team.\"
"Having one of the most esteemed coaches in NBA history guiding our team has been both a privilege and an honor,\" remarked the Miller family, owners of the Jazz. "We have greatly valued our relationship with Jerry and appreciate his unwavering dedication to and passion for the Utah Jazz.\"
Jerry Sloan, the legendary coach who once led the Utah Jazz, passed away at the age of 78.
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The former head coach of the Utah Jazz, Jerry Sloan, has sadly passed away at the age of 78.
On May 22, 2020, Jerry Sloan, who had a notable career with both the Baltimore Bullets and the Chicago Bulls as a player and later coached the Bulls and the Jazz, died at 78 due to complications related to Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, diagnoses he revealed in April 2016.
Sloan was born in Gobbler's Knob, Illinois, just 15 miles south of McLeansboro, where he completed his high school education at McLeansboro High School, earning all-state honors in basketball in 1960. He then moved on to the University of Evansville in Indiana, where he showcased his skills as a member of the Purple Aces basketball team from 1962 to 1965.
Selected 19th overall by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1964 NBA draft, Sloan opted to stay in college at the University of Evansville. Under his leadership, the Purple Aces clinched their second consecutive Division II national championship. In the 1965 NBA draft, the Baltimore Bullets picked him again, this time as the 4th overall pick. Jerry made his NBA debut with the Bullets during the 1965-1966 season.
The Chicago Bulls came into existence as a new team in 1966.
In the 1966 NBA expansion draft, Sloan was selected by the Chicago Bulls, earning the nickname “ The Original Bull .” He quickly gained fame for his relentless defensive play, leading the Bulls to the playoffs in their inaugural season. In 1975, he also guided the team to its first division title before the rise of Michael Jordan in the 1980s and 1990s.
Sloan's NBA career spanned 11 seasons from 1965 to 1976, ending due to a series of knee injuries. Throughout his playing days, he was an NBA All-Star twice (in 1967 and 1969) and was named to the All Defensive First Team four times (1969, 1972, 1974, 1975), along with two selections to the All Defensive Second Team (1970, 1971). His jersey number 4 was the first to be retired by the Chicago Bulls on February 17, 1978. He concluded his playing career with impressive totals of 10,571 points, 5,615 rebounds, and 1,925 assists.
In 1976, Sloan took on the role of coach for his former college team, the University of Evansville Purple Aces, but resigned just five days later. His decision to step down proved fortuitous, as the entire basketball team and coaching staff tragically perished in a plane crash that same season. A few years later, he joined the Chicago Bulls as a scout, and within just a year, he advanced to an assistant coaching role.
By 1979, Sloan's climb within the Chicago Bulls organization continued as he became the head coach. However, his time in that position was short-lived; he was relieved of his duties during his third season, ending with a record of 94 wins and 121 losses. Post-Chicago, he served as a scout for the Utah Jazz for a year before stepping up to become an assistant coach from 1985 to 1988.
In 1988, Sloan was appointed as the head coach of the Utah Jazz and achieved remarkable success in the NBA. During his tenure, he led the Jazz to 16 consecutive seasons with winning records and made the playoffs 15 years in a row. He coached future Hall of Famers Karl Malone and John Stockton and guided Utah to six division titles and two Western Conference titles.
Despite losing to Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals in both 1997 and 1998, Sloan's teams were known to challenge the Bulls fiercely. Throughout his time at the helm of the Jazz, he recorded 50 or more wins in ten different NBA seasons, a feat only matched by coaching legends like Phil Jackson and Pat Riley.
In April 2009, Sloan was honored with an induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame . He resigned from his coaching role with the Utah Jazz on February 10, 2011, but returned in 2013 as a special advisor and consultant. In 2014, the Jazz commemorated Sloan's legacy by raising a banner with the number 1,223, symbolizing his total wins from 1988 to 2011. Sloan and Gregg Popovich are the only coaches in NBA history to surpass 1,000 wins with a single franchise. He will be remembered not only as a fierce player known for his defensive prowess but also as a disciplined coach with a pragmatic approach.
"Jerry Sloan will always be synonymous with the Utah Jazz. His indelible mark on the franchise will forever be cherished. We join his family, friends, and fans in grieving his passing,\" stated the Utah Jazz organization in a recent announcement. "We are immensely grateful for his achievements here in Utah and for the years of loyalty and determination he brought to our team.
"... Just like [John] Stockton and [Karl] Malone as players, Jerry Sloan embodied the spirit of the organization. His absence will be profoundly felt. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Tammy, the entire Sloan family, and all who were blessed to know him.\"
" Jerry Sloan earned immense respect and admiration in the realm of basketball ,\" remarked NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. "A player renowned for his relentless style during the Bulls' early days, he later became one of history's greatest head coaches during his 23 seasons with the Jazz, the second-longest coaching tenure in the league's history. He was the first coach to achieve 1,000 wins with one franchise, a testament to the dedication and discipline that defined his Hall of Fame career.
"His over 40 years in the NBA coincided with a remarkable era of growth for the league. We benefited greatly from his humility, kindness, and integrity. Our thoughts are with Jerry's wife, Tammy, their family, former players, colleagues, and the Bulls and Jazz organizations.\"
"Jerry Sloan was 'The Original Bull,' and his relentless defense and commitment on the court represented both the franchise and the city of Chicago,\" stated Chicago Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. "From the team's inception until the mid-1970s, Jerry was the face of the Bulls, and it was only fitting that his jersey number 4 became the first retired by the franchise. He was not only a remarkable player and Hall of Fame coach but an exceptional person as well. Our heartfelt sympathies go to the Sloan family and all of his dedicated fans.\"
"During his time [in Chicago], he consistently stepped up to the challenge,\" recounted former Chicago Bulls general manager Rod Thorn. "He played with intensity every night, always reliable in his performance. While some players had ups and downs, you always knew what to expect from him on a nightly basis.\"
"I perceive the Utah Jazz as a manifestation of Jerry Sloan,\" remarked former Utah Jazz player Mark Eaton. "The foundation established during his coaching in the '90s is still evident today, and people's reactions to extraordinary plays reflect that legacy. The market and the team have a reputation for effort and determination, which I believe earned him immense respect across the league. His unwavering philosophy produced tangible results, unifying everyone within the organization, from ownership to players; that is his true legacy.\"
Darrell Griffith stated, " He ranks among the top coaches in the NBA , despite not winning an NBA championship. His achievements should not be diminished. He has significantly impacted Utah, the team, and the basketball community while building the franchise over 23 years. He is a Hall of Fame coach, and his contributions are undeniable. He stands among the greatest coaches in the sport's history.\"
"I've had many confrontations with players throughout my career,\" Jerry Sloan remarked in the past. "But my energy has diminished over time.\"
"I'm not one to dwell on numbers,\" Sloan expressed in 2010. "What matters is the incredible organization that has allowed me to stay for so long. I am thankful for that and for my coaching staff. It has never been about me.\"
"It has been a privilege to have one of the most respected coaches in NBA history leading our team,\" said the Miller family, owners of the Jazz. "We deeply appreciate our relationship with Jerry and honor his dedication and love for the Utah Jazz.\"
Jerry Sloan, the legendary coach who led the Utah Jazz, passed away at the age of 78.
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Jerry Sloan, who once served as head coach of the Utah Jazz, has died at 78 years old.
On May 22, 2020, Jerry Sloan, who previously played for the Baltimore Bullets and the Chicago Bulls and went on to coach those teams as well as the Utah Jazz, passed away at 78. His death is believed to be linked to complications arising from Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, both of which he publicly revealed in April 2016.
Sources:
“Jerry Sloan” , basketball-reference.com, May 22, 2020.