The Utah Jazz and larger NBA world is mourning the passing of a true legend Friday morning.
Utah announced through its official website that legendary head coach Jerry Sloan has passed away at the age of 78.
“Jerry Sloan will always be synonymous with the Utah Jazz,” the franchise said in a statement, via its official website. “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 had been battling Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia for years ahead of his passing.
A member of the Jazz organization for more than three decades, Sloan manned the team’s bench as its head coach from 1998-2011. He led Utah to 19 playoff appearances during that span, including consecutive trips to the NBA Finals.
Sloan is seen as a larger-than-life figure in Salt Lake City, putting the Utah-based NBA franchise on the map.
Needless to say, the Hall of Famer’s passing is being mourned by those around the NBA world.