Jerry Sloan, the Hall of Famer who coached the Utah Jazz for 23 years, died early Friday morning at the age of 78, the Jazz announced in a press release.
“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.”
Sloan died due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. He had been fighting those diseases since at least 2015, according to the statement.
Sloan, who coached the Jazz from 1988-2011, has the fourth-most wins as a head coach in NBA history with 1,221, behind only Lenny Wilkens, Don Nelson and Gregg Popovich.
He made the playoffs in 20 of his 23 seasons and only finished below .500 one time.
Sloan is one of four coaches to go 15 or more seasons in a row with a winning record. Joining him in that club is just Popovich, Pat Riley and Phil Jackson.
The Jazz made it to the Finals twice under Sloan. Those teams, led by John Stockton and Karl Malone, lost to the Chicago Bulls in 1997 and 1998.
As a player, Sloan played on the in 1965-1966 Baltimore Bullets and the Bulls from 1966-1976. He made two All-Star games and was named to four All-NBA Defensive First Teams and two Defensive Second Teams.
Sloan was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2009.
In a statement, Jazz owner Gail Miller and her family said:
It was an honor and a privilege to have one of the greatest and most respected coaches in NBA history coaching our team. 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 and it is with much gratitude, yet sadness, that we honor him at his passing.
Sloan is survived by his wife, Tammy, and his four children.