Jerry Sloan: Longtime Utah Jazz Head Coach Resigns Midseason

Jerry Sloan: Shocking Resignation Raises Questions for Jazz and Coach

Jerry Sloan is calling it quits as head coach of the Jazz after a 23-year career in Utah. The news comes as a surprise after signing a one-year contract extension with the Jazz on Monday.

News is trickling out about a possible rift between Sloan and star point guard Derron Williams, but here we will be taking a quick look at Sloan's career in Utah.

Let us know what you think about Sloan. Great coach or the product of good players?

Sudden Retirement Over Clash With Star?

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HOUSTON - MAY 5: Head coach Jerry Sloan talks with Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz in Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center May 5, 2007 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

According to a Yahoo report, Jerry Sloan informed sources that he would be resigning from the Jazz because of constant clashes between the coach and point guard Deron Williams.

The two had a spat that became public during a Wednesday night loss to the Chicago Bulls.

Sloan also apparently feels that he had been undermined by the Jazz ownership at his handling of Williams. 

What Next For The Jazz?

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 29, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Jazz won 103-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

With Jerry Sloan on the way out, the Jazz have named assistant coach Ty Corbin as acting head coach with the hopes of finding a more long-term replacement down the road.

The Jazz still have a very skilled roster but they also are approaching their first season without Carlos Boozer since 2004. They have suffered without him.

I could see the Jazz going in the toilet for a little bit, but ultimately, I think they will bounce back.

Sloan's Legacy

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SALT LAKE CITY - MAY 10: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with head coach Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz after Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs on May 10, 2010 at Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City

Jerry Sloan will always be remembered as a hard-nosed coach who didn't pull his punches. He led the Jazz to the Finals against the Bulls in the late 90s and he helped bring them back to the top half of the Western Conference again in the last few years.

I think he got a raw deal here.

Deron Williams is a skilled player but he does have a tendency to blame struggles on everyone else.

If I were a team looking to hire a coach, Sloan would be one of my first calls.