‘An enduring legacy’: Former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan passes away at age 78
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Former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan died Friday morning at the age of 78 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Tom Smart, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — Jerry Sloan, the fourth-winningest coach in NBA history who led the Utah Jazz for more than 22 years, died Friday at the age of 78.
Sloan, who ended his coaching career in February 2011, was diagnosed in the fall of 2015 with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia and his health declined over the last several years.
He is survived by his wife Tammy, stepson Rhett, son Brian and daughters Holly and Kathy. His first wife, Bobbye, died from cancer in 2004.
“Jerry Sloan will always be synonymous with the Utah Jazz,” the team said in a statement. “He will forever be a part of the Utah Jazz organization and we join his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss. We are so thankful for what he accomplished here in Utah and the decades of dedication, loyalty and tenacity he brought to our franchise.
“Like Stockton and Malone as players, Jerry Sloan epitomized the organization. He will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Tammy, the entire Sloan family and all who knew and loved him.”
Utah Jazz fan Nate Salazar brings a tractor and a ball to place an informal memorial outside Vivint Arena in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, May 22, 2020, after former coach Jerry Sloan died at age 78. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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A sign honoring former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan appears outside Vivint Arena in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, May 22, 2020, after Sloan died at age 78. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Items placed at an informal memorial created by Utah Jazz fans outside Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 22, 2020, after former Jazz coach Jerry Sloan died Friday at age 78. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Jazz fans Steve and Nicole Austin place a tractor hat at an informal memorial outside Vivint Arena in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday, May 22, 2020, after former coach Jerry Sloan died at age 78. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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A sign honoring former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan appears at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 22, 2020, after Sloan died at age 78. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
As synonymous as the late Larry H. Miller and the Miller family, the team’s owners, are with the Jazz, so is Sloan. During the 23 seasons he coached the Jazz he led the team to 18 playoff appearances and two NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, losing both to the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls.
“It was an honor and a privilege to have one of the greatest and most respected coaches in NBA history coaching our team,” said the Miller family in a statement. “We have appreciated our relationship with Jerry and acknowledge his dedication to and passion for the Utah Jazz.
“He has left an enduring legacy with this franchise and our family. The far-reaching impact of his life has touched our city, state and the world as well as countless players, staff and fans. We pray his family will find solace and comfort in Jerry’s life. The Miller family and Jazz organization will be proud to honor him with a permanent tribute.”
Sloan’s legacy with the Jazz runs as deeply as any professional coach and their team. Even for coaches who came after Sloan’s reign had ended and had never worked with him, like current Jazz coach Quin Snyder, who was hired in 2014 after Tyrone Corbin became coach following Sloan’s retirement, Sloan’s impact on the coaching community remains undeniable.
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Coaches Phil Johnson and Jerry Sloan as the Utah Jazz and the Oklahoma City Thunder play NBA basketball in Salt Lake City, Utah Nov, 7, 2008. Photo by Tom Smart | Tom Smart, Deseret News
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New Jazz Head coach Jerry Sloan, left, with Jazz President Frank Layden pictured in 1998. | Deseret News Archives
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New Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan at a game on December 9, 1988. Jerry Sloan replaced Frank Layden as the head coach of the Utah Jazz.
Photo by Gary McKellar | Gary McKellar, Deseret News
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Utah Jazz coach, Jerry Sloan, laughs during the pre-draft workouts for the Utah Jazz at the Zions Bank Basketball Center. Michael Brandy/Deseret Morning News. June 19, 2007 | Michael Brandy, Deseret News
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Ravell Call, Deseret News
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Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan wipes away a tear as his announces his resignation after being the head coach for the Jazz since 1988 Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011, in Salt Lake City, Utah. | Tom Smart, Deseret News
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Jerry Sloan watches as his jazz play the Detroit Piston at the delta center. photo: michael brandy. 03/19/01. | Michael Brandy, Deseret News
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Jerry Sloan answers questions at a press conf. announcing his 3 year contract extension. photo by stuart johnson | Stuart Johnson, Deseret News
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Former Utah Jazz coaches Jerry Sloan and Frank Layden pose in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan attends as a $125 million renovation project for Vivent Arena is announced in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016.
| Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Coach Jerry Sloan talks with Kirilenko Monday at Franklin Covey. photo by ravell call july 16, 2001 | Ravell Call, Deseret News
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KSL TV
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KSL TV
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Jerry Sloan talks with a fan priro to the game in Salt Lake City Friday, April 8, 2016. The Clippers won 102-99 in overtime. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Jerry Sloan questions a call during the opening Jazz game of the season which they lost to the Milwakee Bucks, Tuesday Oct. 30, 2001. photo by Tom Smart | Tom Smart, Deseret News
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Olden Polynice of the Jazz is pulled away from other players by coach Jerry Sloan after Polynice flagrantly fouled Shawn Bradley. photo by ravell call, April 24, 2001. | Ravell Call, Deseret News
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KSL TV
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Larry Miller, Kevin O'Connor, and Jerry Sloan watch the 1st round picks during the NBA draft party at the Delta Center. Allred/photo | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan has some words for the referee after John Starks was called for a taunting technical foul in the fourth quarter Sunday, April 15, 2001, in Minneapolis. Technical fouls on the Jazz's Karl Malone and Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Garnett resulted in both being ejected from the game. The Timberwolves won 107-100. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) | Jim Mone, Associated Press
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Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan gives instructions to forward Andrei Kirilenko of Russia in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference Final basketball game in San Antonio, Wednesday, May 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) | Matt Slocum, Associated Press
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A dejected Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan watches as his team goes down to defeat at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers, 103-85, Tuesday night, May 9, 2000, in Portland, Ore. Portland has a 2-0 lead in their best of seven series. Game 3 is Thursday in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jack Smith) | Jack Smith, Associated Press
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Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan with John Stockton, Nov. 1988, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tom Smart, Deseret News
| Tom Smart, Deseret News
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Jerry Sloan as the Utah Jazz host the Portland Trailblazers at Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City. November 5, 2008. Mike Terry, Deseret News. | Mike Terry, Deseret News
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Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan listens to the national anthem with his team as the Utah Jazz host the Portland Trailblazers at Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City. November 5, 2008. Mike Terry, Deseret News. | Mike Terry, Deseret News
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Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan in Salt Lake City, Utah, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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Jerry Sloan talks to the press following his 1,000th win with the Utah Jazz, when asked how he felt regarding his marker of 1,000, he deflected the attention from himself by responding, "I've always felt it's a players game." November 6, 2008. Mike Terry, Deseret News. | Mike Terry, Deseret News
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Utah coach Jerry Sloan yells for a foul as John Stockton and the Maverick's Steve Nash hit the floor as the Jazz face the Mavericks at Reunion Arena Saturday, April 28, 2001. Photo by Jason Olson | Jason Olson, Deseret News
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Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, center, watches Jazz hopefuls during a practice before the upcoming Rocky Mountain Reveiw Monday, July 12, 2004.
photo by Jeremy Harmon (Submission date: 07/12/2004) | Jeremy Harmon, Deseret News
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Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, right, works with Jazz hopefuls during a practice before the upcoming Rocky Mountain Reveiw Monday, July 12, 2004.
photo by Jeremy Harmon (Submission date: 07/12/2004) | Jeremy Harmon, Deseret News
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Jerry Sloan was an assistant coach along with Scott Layden helping Coach Frank Layden in the 1985-86 season. | Don Grayston, Deseret News
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D.J. Newbill of Penn State, right, greets Jerry Sloan at Zions Bank Basketball Center in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, May 6, 2015. | Chris Samuels, Deseret News
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Current Utah Jazz Head Coach, Quin Snyder, is joined by former head coaches Jerry Sloan and Frank Layden, following the formal announcement Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, of the name change from EnergySolutions Arena to Vivint Smart Home Arena, in Salt Lake City. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan disagrees with a call during game 3 in the semifinals against the Portland Trailblazers. The Jazz lost and now faces elimination.
Delta Center, Thursday, May 11, 2000. Photo/Johanna Workman | Johanna Workman, Deseret News
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Jazz coach Jerry Sloan congratulates Michael Jordan after the Bulls won their 3rd straight title Sunday night's Game 6 of the NBA Finals at the Delta Center, June 14, 1998. PHOTO BY CHUCK WING/DESERET NEWS | Chuck Wing, Deseret News
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1/17/98 - Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan argues for a flagrant foul during Saturday night's game against the Orlando Magic. PHOTO BY CHUCK WING/DESERET NEWS | Chuck Wing, Deseret News
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Tom Smart, Deseret News
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This is a photo illustration for Jerry Sloan's thousandth win. caption should read as Tom Smart/Deseret Morning News/ Photo Illustration by August Miller/ Deseret Morning News | Tom Smart, Deseret News
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Jazz coach Jerry Sloan trying to explain a call to the ref. photo by Tom Smart | Tom Smart, Deseret News
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Coach Jerry Sloan talks with the Media after a work out Thursday June 23, 2005 at the Zions bank Practice facility where he looked at Deron WIlliams from Illinois, Raymond Felton of North Carolina, John Gilchrist of Maryland, Louis WIlliams of South Gwinnett High School, and Andre Owens of Indiana. Photo by Scott G. Winterton/Deseret Morning News. (Submission date: 06/23/2005) | Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News
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Oct. 29, 1997--Jazz coach, Jerry Sloan and 7th grader, David Hicks help make beds at the overflow winter homeless shelter on 600 south and 300 east before it opens next week. Photo by Kristan Jacobsen | Kristan Jacobsen, Deseret News
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Hedd coach Jerry Sloan argues a call duringgame four of the Western Conference Semi-finals at the Rose Garden in Portland, Sunday May 24, 1999. PHOTO BY CHUCK WING/DESERET NEWS | Chuck Wing, Deseret News
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Jerry Sloan is restrained by John Stockton while Tom Chambers sits dejected on the floor after being ejected from game 2 in the Spurs series. PHOTO BY GARY McKELLAR. | Gary McKellar, Deseret News
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Jazz head coach, Jerry Sloan, an Olympic torch presented to him by the Salt Lake Organizing Committee during halftime against the Detroit Pistons at the delta center. photo: michael brandy. 3/19/02 | Michael Brandy, Deseret News
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Jerry Sloan freaks out after the refs missed a goal tending call. Allred/photo | Jeffrey D Allred, Deseret News
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Former Utah Jazz guard John Stockton, right, and Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan sit next to each other during a media availability before their enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., Friday morning, Sept. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia) | Stephan Savoia, Associated Press
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Former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan acknowledges the crowd as they applaud he after it was announced that a banner with his name will be hung from the rafters with other Jazz greats as the Utah Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers play NBA basketball Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, in Salt Lake City.
| Tom Smart, Deseret News
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The Jazz Bear greets Jerry Sloan with confetti before the Utah Sports Hall of Fame 2011 induction banquet in Salt Lake City , Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011. | Ravell Call, Deseret News
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Jazz coach Jerry Sloan screams at the ref in NBA in Salt Lake City, Utah, Friday, Nov. 26, 2010. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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JAZZ coach Jerry Sloan relaxes during media day for the Utah JAZZ September 29, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Keith Johnson/Deseret News | Keith Johnson, Deseret News
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Jazz coach Jerry Sloan screams at the referees against Houston at the Delta Center. Photo: Michael Brandy. NOVEMBER 1, 2006 | Michael Brandy, Deseret News
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Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan makes a statement during a media availability before his enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., Friday morning, Sept. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia) | Stephan Savoia, Associated Press
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Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan talks to the referee as the Utah Jazz and the Minnesota Timberwolves play NBA basketball in Salt Lake City, Utah 1/20/09. Photo by Tom Smart | Tom Smart, Deseret News
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Jerry Sloan watches the 2007 NBA Draft at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City Thursday, June 28, 2007. Photo by Jason Olson | Jason Olson, Deseret News
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Utah's Head Coach Jerry Sloan walks up the ramp and into the Toyota Center as the Jazz arrive for game 5 with theHouston Rockets in Houston April 29, 2008. Photo by Scott G. Winterton / Deseret News. | Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News.
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Assistant Jazz coach Phil Johnson and head coach Jerry Sloan show respect during the national anthem prior to the start of the Utah Jazz game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah, Monday, Nov. 30, 2009. August Miller, Deseret News
| August Miller, Deseret News
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Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan reacts to his team turning over the ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac) | Douglas C. Pizac, Associated Press
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Utah's Head Coach Jerry Sloan talks with the Media after practice for game 2 on Sunday at the Toyota Center in Houston. Photo by Scott G. Winterton / Deseret Morning News April 22, 2007 | Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News
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Utah JAZZ coach Jerry Sloan gives instructions to his team during the JAZZ home game against the Dallas Mavericks Monday December 11, 2006 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The JAZZ victory gave Sloan his 1,000th career win as a head coach. Mike Terry/Deseret Morning News | Mike Terry, Deseret News
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Jazz coach, Jerry Sloan, and Jazz staff talk before the 2006 NBA Basketball Draft at the Delta Center. The Jazz selected Ronnie Brewer (Arkansas) as their first round draft pick. JUNE 28, 2006. Michael Brandy/Deseret Morning News. | Michael Brandy, Deseret News
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Former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan has his banner unveiled in his honor during halftime of the Utah Jazz game in Salt Lake City Friday, Jan. 31, 2014. | Jeffrey Allred, Deseret News
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Former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and his wife Tammy clap as his banner is unveiled in his honor during halftime of the Utah Jazz game in Salt Lake City Friday, Jan. 31, 2014. | Deseret News
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Alec Burks shakes hands with former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan after having his banner unveiled in his honor during halftime of the Utah Jazz game in Salt Lake City Friday, Jan. 31, 2014. | Deseret News
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Steve Miller hands former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan a jersey as his banner unveiled in his honor during halftime of the Utah Jazz game in Salt Lake City Friday, Jan. 31, 2014. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Snyder noted in a statement released by the Jazz on Friday that even before he came to Utah he was aware of Sloan and his importance to the Jazz and NBA at large.
“But, upon living in Utah, I became acutely aware of just how much he truly meant to the state,” Snyder said. “I was honored by the opportunity to follow in coach Sloan’s giant footsteps, and subsequently humbled by the task of trying to uphold the standards and the success that are synonymous with his legacy. The clear identity that he established for Jazz Basketball — unselfishness, toughness and the essential importance of team — has always left a palpable responsibility to strive for in carrying forward.”
A two-time NBA All-Star in the late 1960s, Sloan was known as a hard-nosed defender and was the first player to have his number retired by the Chicago Bulls (No. 4). He carried that same no-nonsense attitude into his coaching career. He led the Jazz to at least 60 wins in three different seasons and 50 victories 10 other times.
“Jerry Sloan was ‘The Original Bull’ whose tenacious defense and nightly hustle on the court represented the franchise and epitomized the city of Chicago,” Chicago Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in statement. ”Jerry was the face of the Bulls organization from its inception through the mid-1970s, and very appropriately, his uniform No. 4 was the first jersey retired by the team.
Sloan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
As news of Sloan’s death reverberated through the league, teams, executives, coaches and players continued to release statements paying tribute to Sloan, who influenced generations of players and coaches.
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“Jerry Sloan was among the NBA’s most respected and admired legends,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “After an All-Star playing career in which his relentless style shaped the Chicago Bulls in their early years, he became one of the all-time greatest head coaches during 23 seasons with the Utah Jazz — the second-longest tenure in league history.
“He was the first coach to win 1,000 games with the same organization, which came to embody the qualities that made Jerry a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer: persistence, discipline, drive and selflessness.”
Former Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan answers a question as he and former Utah Jazz great John Stockton and Jazz owner Gail Miller attend a press conference as the 1997 Western Conference Champions reunite on Wednesday, March 22, 2017. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
While Sloan’s achievements on the court and as the coach of the Jazz are the reason that Sloan’s name is so well known, many who knew him made a point on Friday to note that it was who he was as a person that added so much to his legacy.
“It’s a sad day for all of us who knew Jerry Sloan,” San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “Not only on the basketball court but, more importantly, as a human being. He was genuine and true. And that is rare. He was a mentor for me from afar until I got to know him. A man who suffered no fools, he possessed a humor, often disguised, and had a heart as big as the prairie.”
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