The Utah Jazz announced today the decision by Jerry Sloan to return as head coach for the 2010-11 season, which will mark his 23rd season at the helm of the Jazz.
“We have been fortunate to call Jerry Sloan our head coach for two plus decades,” said Greg Miller, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. “He embodies everything our organization stands for which makes him the perfect fit to lead our roster into the future.”
Sloan has been Utah’s head coach since assuming the reigns from former head coach Frank Layden on December 9, 1988. The fourth-winningest coach in NBA history (1,147-758, .602), Sloan is the longest tenured active coach with one team in major professional sports, and is also the longest tenured head coach in NBA history. Last season Sloan became the first NBA head coach to win 1,000 games with one team (1,053-637, .623 with Jazz), and he currently ranks 358 wins ahead of San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich for most wins with one team among active coaches. Sloan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 11, 2009.
“I am very appreciative of the opportunity the Miller family has given me, and the fact that they have stood behind me for more than 20 years,” said Sloan. “Our team has tremendous potential and I look forward to watching them grow.”
Since Sloan’s hiring there have been a total of 236 coaching changes in the NBA (including interim coaches), with every team in the league aside from Utah making at least two changes. In addition five current NBA teams (Bobcats, Grizzlies, Raptors, Magic, Timberwolves) did not exist when Sloan took the helm in Utah, and two others (Heat, Hornets) were just over a month into their inaugural seasons. Sloan has coached 125 different Jazz players in regular season games during his tenure.
“The entire organization is thrilled that Jerry will continue to lead the Jazz,” said Utah Jazz President Randy Rigby. “He continually produces winning seasons and challenges his players to bring their best to the floor each night.”
Over his first 21 seasons, Sloan has produced two conference championships, seven division titles, 16 consecutive winning seasons, 12 seasons with 50-plus wins and 18 playoff appearances.
“The consistency of the Jazz under Coach Sloan’s direction is unparalleled in the NBA,” said Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor. “We are certainly excited that he will continue to guide the team moving forward.”
