Editor’s note: This story was originally published on May 22, 2024.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
It has been five years since legendary Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan died, and more than 14 years since he coached the Jazz. But in the more than 25 years he was associated with the Jazz organization, he became an immovable fixture of the team, and the state. The only thing missing, many Jazz diehards say, is a statue.
Sloan died at age 78 on May 22, 2020, after battling Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Coverage in the Deseret News and across all NBA media was extensive. Here is some of the best work from colleagues paying tribute to the farm boy from McLeansboro, Illinois.
“Jerry Sloan timeline: A look back at the life of the Utah Jazz’s Hall of Fame coach”
“‘An enduring legacy’: Former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan passes away at age 78″
“Thanks for the memories, Coach Sloan”
There was another side to Sloan as well:
“How Jerry Sloan helped save one woman’s life”
“Beneath that gruff exterior, Jerry Sloan was ‘commonfolk’ — a kind, compassionate man”
“In our opinion: Jerry Sloan’s legacy is as hard to remove as one of Utah’s mountains”
“Brad Rock: Former Jazz coach Jerry Sloan forgets things, but remembers those who remember him”
Now about that statue ...