As coaches spin through the revolving doors of the NBA, Jerry Sloan slips in through the service entrance. He is professional basketball's solemn standard-bearer, embarking on his 19th consecutive season as coach of the Utah Jazz with the same uncompromising loyalty to fundamentals since becoming head coach in December 1988. During Sloan's unrivaled tenure, there have been 187 coaching changes in the NBA.
The Los Angeles Clippers have had 11 coaches in that span. In an era when owners seek the quick fix on the sideline, Sloan, 64, is an anomaly in any league. "I don't pay attention to it other than people making comments," said Sloan, who has the Jazz off to a 6-1 start.
"It's not important because I haven't done anything except be here." Sloan's presence provides a contrast to the returning coaches and those who could be exiting. Don Nelson with Golden State and Eric Musselman with Sacramento have had mixed results with their new teams.
Doc Rivers struggles with Boston and speculation over his future intensifies. Sloan has had only one losing season with Utah (26-56 in 2004-5). The team was 41-41 last season.
Sloan has never won a championship,
Not only is Sloan's longevity rare, so is his philosophy. He insists that the game is not about a final reward but in finding reward through the daily grind. "A lot of guys have gotten championships, but I don't think they really understand what this game is about," Sloan said.
"Some of the great ones probably do. I go back and look at our team when we had Stockton and Malone. We didn't win a championship.
Anybody can come back and wave the ring. "I admire that in people probably more than people who win a championship. That guys play and respect the game whether you've won a championship or not.
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