Notable Utahns Recognize Storied Utah Jazz Head Coach Jerry Sloan

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Notable coaches, teams, and politicians from the state of Utah paid their respects to legendary Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan after he passed away at the age of 78.

Sloan passed away on Friday, May 22.

The storied former NBA player and head coach had been dealing with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia since April 2016.

After learning of Sloan’s passing, notable Utahns remembered and honored the Jazz legend.

Fellow Coaches

Utah football head coach Kyle Whittingham said, “We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of the legend, Coach Jerry Sloan. Our thoughts go out to his family and everyone at the Utah Jazz.”

We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of the legend, Coach Jerry Sloan. Our thoughts go out to his family and everyone at the @utahjazz.

— Kyle Whittingham (@UtahCoachWhitt) May 22, 2020

“Rest In Peach Coach Sloan,” tweeted Southern Utah men’s basketball head coach Todd Simon. “An absolute icon. Was ahead of the times with ball screen basketball. Some great stories circulating today.”

Rest In Peace Coach Sloan. An absolute icon. Was ahead of the times with ball screen basketball. Some great stories circulating today. https://t.co/3PgupbJ2EW

— Todd Simon (@CoachTsimon) May 22, 2020

Politicians

“Jerry Sloan was a fierce competitor and disciplinarian – and he was the heart and soul of the Utah Jazz for years,” tweeted Utah governor Gary Herbert. “His emphasis on defense and team play got the most raw talent out of the players. Our prayers are with Jerry Sloan’s family and friends as they mourn his passing.

Jerry Sloan was a fierce competitor and disciplinarian – and he was the heart and soul of the Utah Jazz for years. His emphasis on defense and team play got the most raw talent out of the players. Our prayers are with Jerry Sloan’s family and friends as they mourn his passing. https://t.co/cz9QlBLESe

— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) May 22, 2020

“I didn’t expect to cry today. Jerry wouldn’t like that,” posted Utah lieutenant governor Spencer Cox. “I’m heartbroken. Much will be written and said about him, but this is all you need to know. They say you should never meet your heroes… but over the past few years I did. And he was everything I hoped he would be.”

I didn’t expect to cry today. Jerry wouldn’t like that. I’m heartbroken. Much will be written and said about him, but this is all you need to know. They say you should never meet your heros…but over the past few years I did. And he was everything I hoped he would be. #TakeNote https://t.co/rF51uePYZw

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) May 22, 2020

“Utah is home to many great coaches. Jerry Sloan will always be remembered as one of the greatest,” posted former Utah governor Jon Huntsman. “He was an inspiration on the court and a leader in the community. I was saddened to learn of his passing, and I send my condolences to his family.”

Utah is home to many great coaches. Jerry Sloan will always be remembered as one of the greatest. He was an inspiration on the court and a leader in the community. I was saddened to learn of his passing, and I send my condolences to his family.

— Jon Huntsman (@JonHuntsman) May 22, 2020

Utah congressman Ben McAdams tweeted, “Respect and love for Coach Jerry Sloan. My thoughts are with his family.”

Respect and love for Coach Jerry Sloan. My thoughts are with his family. #takenote #utpol https://t.co/B3WHGPSlmA

— Rep. Ben McAdams (@RepBenMcAdams) May 22, 2020

Athletes

Former Real Salt Lake goalkeeper recognized the legendary Jazz coach.

🙌🏽 https://t.co/uehwxBhEMK

— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) May 22, 2020

Sports Teams & Organizations

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe said, “Nothing but respect for Coach Sloan.”

Nothing but respect for Coach Sloan. https://t.co/XRkDmTLV0w

— Tom Holmoe (@TomHolmoe) May 22, 2020

Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said, “A Legend – my thoughts and prayers to the Sloan family.”

A Legend- my thoughts and prayers to the Sloan family. https://t.co/YMjAwGLLRH

— Mark Harlan (@MarkHarlan_AD) May 22, 2020

“Rest in peace and thank you, Coach Sloan,” tweeted Utah Athletics.

Rest in peace and thank you, Coach Sloan. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/1DLZfTokct

— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) May 22, 2020

Utah Football tweeted, “Our heartfelt condolences to the Utah Jazz family, and all the friends and family of Coach Sloan.”

Our heartfelt condolences to the @utahjazz family, and all the friends and family of Coach Sloan. ❤️ https://t.co/7rY6J8eYSQ

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) May 22, 2020

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of legendary Hall of Fame Utah Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan,” posted Utah men’s basketball. “He will be greatly missed.”

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of legendary Hall of Fame @utahjazz Coach Jerry Sloan. He will be greatly missed. 🙏❤ pic.twitter.com/3beURqm3AN

— Utah Basketball🏀 (at 🏡) (@UtahMBB) May 22, 2020

This story will be updated.