Utah Jazz, Miller Family Issue Statement On Life Of Jerry Sloan
May 22, 2020, 9:19 AM | Updated: Jun 3, 2020, 11:28 am
Head coach Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz reacts in game three of round one in the NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas. The Mavericks won 94-91. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez / Allsport / Getty Images
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jerry Sloan, the Hall of Fame head coach of the Utah Jazz from 1988 to 2011 passed away on Friday. He was 78 years old. In 2016, Sloan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy body dementia.
The Jazz issued a statement after Sloan’s passing.
Jazz Statement On Sloan
“Jerry Sloan will always be synonymous with the Utah Jazz,” The statement read. “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.”
Rest easy, Coach ❤️
» https://t.co/5eonFoUR61 pic.twitter.com/ynrk0JnO0V
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) May 22, 2020
“Our Hall of Fame coach for 23 years, Jerry had a tremendous impact on the Jazz franchise as expressed by his banner hanging in the arena rafters. His 1,223 Jazz coaching wins, 20 trips to the NBA Playoffs and two NBA Finals appearances are remarkable achievements. His hard-nosed approach only made him more beloved. Even after his retirement, his presence at Jazz games always brought a roaring response from the crowd.
“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.”
Miller Family Statement
The Miller family, owners of the Jazz franchise also released a statement on Sloan.
“It was an honor and a privilege to have one of the greatest and most respected coaches in NBA history coaching our team,” The Miller family said. “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.”
A coach teaches.
Inspires.
Gives all of himself in pursuit of something greater. pic.twitter.com/FWOf9Jcm8s
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) May 22, 2020
Sloan is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in basketball history. At the time of his retirement, Sloan had amassed a record of 1,223 wins, the third-most in NBA history. Sloan’s .603 winning percentage is sixth-best in league history.
