Former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan has died age 78 after an extended battle with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.
His death was confirmed in a statement from the Utah Jazz. "Jerry Sloan will always be synonymous with the Utah Jazz," the team wrote. "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." He was diagnosed with Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia in 2016.
"His 1,223 Jazz coaching wins, 20 trips to the NBA Playoffs and two NBA Finals appearances are remarkable achievements," the statement continues. "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."
The Hall of Fame coach was with the team for 23 years, from 1988 to his retirement in 2011. Before his time with Utah, he also served as a coach for the Chicago Bulls until 1982. During his playing career, he was part of both the Baltimore Bullets, and more prominently the Chicago Bulls. He was an NBA All-Star in 1967 and 1969.
RIP.
