Last Stand?

Posted by Johnathan Kendrick on November 20, 2008

Sloan

There are no clear signals, no inside sources. In all probability there won’t be any signals or inside sources. When Jerry Sloan does retire – it’s just going to happen. There won’t be a farewell tour, no rocking chairs, golf clubs, not even a commemorative tractor. There won’t be fanfare or pageantry of any kind. I would place the odds on a press conference at 50/50. Remember that sudden moment when Stockton called it quits? I think Jerry Sloan mentally took notes and vowed to handle his retirement even quieter.

When Jerry Sloan does announce he is done, it will probably be with a quick phone call to the organization.

Jerry: “Hey Kevin, I think I am done coaching.”

Kevin: “Jerry, maybe you should come in so we can all talk.”

Jerry: “What’s that Kevin? KEHHHH. You’re breaking up. KCCEEEHH. Well, good luck.”

Click

That will be that. Personally, I think this is the last year. I don’t mean that as a recommendation. This is in no way a letter of condemnation, or even a statement of adoration. This is just some simple prognostication. My record of going on the record. Of course I could be wrong, it happens all of the time.

The Jazz are going to be a mess in the offseason. Potentially half of the roster could in a transition period. I imagine the Jazz upper management will want the coach of next year’s team to be involved in personnel meetings and decisions. This is going to mean the Jazz will need to know if Sloan is coming back right away. In the recent past, returning to coach is a decision that has taken a few months on the farm to contemplate. That ‘recharging time’ might not be available. The new makeup of the team could put the Jazz a step back from where they are now. They could be back to finding some pieces of the puzzle. Lets be honest – it won’t be getting easier.

Management is currently in flux as well. Officially Greg Miller has taken over for his dad. Larry is still involved but not like before. For the first time in 20 years – it’s different. With the demands of the coming summer, for Jerry, this fact is going to be evident.

Those are as close of a sign or a hint as we may get. If you are a Sloan fan – sit back and enjoy. This could be it. Watch or go to a few more game, listen to a few more post game press conferences. When it does happen, chances are you won’t see it coming.

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Jay Ray on November 20, 2008 said:

my trick knee says he’s got one more year. that and a storm is comin’…

Mal on November 20, 2008 said:

Wow. His last year, huh? Your points about next summer really do make me wonder if this could be it. Jerry lovers better soak him up now before he’s gone. My tip though is to find other ways of soaking him up than listening to more of his post game pressers. The dude is so incredibly vague, it’s almost comical. The best part, though, is that you know he does it just to frustrate the crap out of the media.

Dan Long on November 20, 2008 said:

I am a huge fan of the Utah Jazz, even though I live half the country away in the metropolis of Hitchins, Kentucky. I am a huge fan of the Utah Jazz simply because of Jerry Sloan.
As a high school player, he was the “Fabulous Fox” of the Mcleansboro, Illinois Foxes. I watched him as a member of the Evansville Purple Aces, competing against the likes of Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe during the Small College national tournaments. I followed his career as a pro player with the Chicago Bulls. Jerry Sloan has always got more out of whatever talent was at his disposal, both as a player and coach. His competitive drive is enormous. He has the knack of making everyone around him better, while never seeking the spotlight.
I agree that he will probably downplay his retirement, but the game will probably never have another like him.

Linda McFarland on November 20, 2008 said:

Remember last year that everyone was surprised that Jerry had said “yes he would sign ” before the last game was over?We were all surprised that he made the decision before leaviing Salt Lake.

J R Stewart on November 21, 2008 said:

Jerry has a bunch of young, talented, hard working players, with lots of room for improvement. He’s more flexible and innovative every year. I think he’s enjoying his coaching more now than with some of the screwball players he’s had in the past.

I would be surprised if you didn’t see Jerry and Phil back for the next few years.

Jazzaholic

Linda McFarland on November 21, 2008 said:

J.R. I hope you are right and I think you are. There may be a few things wrong with the team but stability, loyalty, old school thinking and lack of desire to be famous himself goes a long ways towards correcting those things. It will be a real trial for the guys tonight but I think they are up to it.

Jay Ray on November 21, 2008 said:

jerry sloan: 2012

BJ Jazz fan on November 21, 2008 said:

WOW………..alot to think about here……… Into the 2008-09 season by barely 3 weeks and we are discussing off season adjustments, Jerry not coming back and who will replace the 20 year veteran coach ??? WOW, I am still shaking my head on this one, and wonder if team players read these posts and more important does “the dude “( such disrespect shame on you) coach Sloan and the coaching staff read them ??? Anyone know how far out there the Jazzbots are read??

Johnathan Kendrick on November 21, 2008 said:

BJ
You may have read into it a little too far. It was simply a prediction and a little reminder that if you are a fan – realize that Sloan won’t always be at the helm..

Although we are the offiical fan blog of the Utah Jazz. Sadly players and coaches are not forced to read it. They might learn something.

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