Just when you thought the Jeff Fisher-less Tennessee Titans were gonna take some getting used to after being let go by the team he spent 16 seasons with, long time Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan resigns after 23 years with the franchise. Ironically, Sloan's resignation comes only three days after signing a 1-year extension that would've kept him with the organization for a record 24th season. In a live press conference addressing his decision to resign, Sloan appeared to look very tired, saying "My time is up and it's time for me to move on." Though he didn't mention it himself, reports have it that All-Star PG Deron Williams played a key role in Sloan withdrawing from his position.
After Utah's 91-86 loss at home to the Chicago Bulls, that saw the Jazz fall three straight games at home for the first time since 2007, Sloan and his talented young point-guard got into a heated debate in what many are saying was the cause for the 68 year old coach stepping down. Williams however, denied the blowups between the two had any influence on Sloan's decision and said he wouldn't be where he is now if it wasn't for Sloan. The complete turnaround in the relationship between the two comes as a surprise given the future Hall of Fame coach once said he trusted Williams with his offense more than he did John Stockton who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009, headlining the class of inductees along with Michael Jordan.
Sloan, the longest tenured head coach in NBA history, leaves behind a legacy of 1,127 career wins, ranking him third all-time only behind Lenny Wilkens and Don Nelson. After coaching three seasons with Chicago whom he once played for, Sloan made back-to-back NBA Finals appearances with the Jazz, but came up short on both occasions, losing to the Michael Jordan led Bulls that went onto win six world titles in 8 an eight year span. If it wasn't for Phil Jackson who migrated out west to coach the Lakers after coaching the Bulls to success, there's no telling how many rings Sloan would have right now. Instead he joins the long list of great players and coaches that were unable to win a ring.
The most astonishing stat during Sloan's time at the helm of the Jazz, is the other 196 coaching changes that were made since his hiring. Joining Sloan in departing from the franchise, is assistant Phil Johnson who also resigned after a lengthy time spent with the franchise (18 years). Succeeding Sloan as the Jazz head coach, is Tyrone Corbin who has been with the team since 2004, serving as an assistant coach, and also has roots with the team as a small forward from 1991-1994. With the post Jerry Sloan era now in effect, the future of Deron Williams becomes a concern considering he'll be a free agent this coming offseason. And with the franchise revolving around him as their best player, you've gotta wonder if this will have any effect on a potential return to Utah.
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