I wish I could take jerry sloan out for a beer.
Jerry Sloan has been the coach of the Utah Jazz for the last 23 years. Yesterday he retired, even before the all star break, saying that it was time, and that someone else needed a shot at his job. There could be another story behind all of this, but he took the high road. He knew when to say "when" to something that had been a big part of his life and that he was dedicated to. I admire him for how he handled it - he didn't bash anyone - not the team nor the management. He was not one for long, drawn out goodbyes. He said he knew he would wake up one day and know that this would be what he had to do.
All Jerry reportedly expected of his players was to "come to work and do the job". He had no patience for the hype and the big egos of some of them. He wore suits to the games but I bet he was more comfortable in jeans and flannel shirts. He obviously had a passion for the sport, and gave it all he had. He was not one looking for credit - always gave it to the team and steered away from the limelight himself....unlike many coaches with less tenure - and certainly unlike many players, except John Stockton, who was probably his favorite. He wanted the basics from his team - and for many years her got just that - and a lot of wins.
Jerry was quick to praise Ty Corbin, who he had once coached, as the new coach of the team. He didn't fall prey to the talk about Deron Williams and his relationship with him. Maybe the younger guy had something to do with his leaving but Jerry wasn't going to stoop to the level of bashing him. He took responsibility, talking about his energy level - he is 68 years old.
Maybe Jerry was able to put things in perspective and realize what is important in life - it's not the glamor of a prestigious job or money - something younger folks aren't always able to see. He had mentioned before about his players not listening to him and their lack of commitment to the proper way of playing and approaching the game as well as their lack of respect for him. He said simply, "My time is up. It's time for me to move on". And you have to respect that. He wanted to leave before he became a burden and a hindrance. Maybe he felt unsupported and it is hard to continue in a demanding job when there is no support. Maybe it just stopped being fun. Maybe the management didn't think it would be worth putting more effort into Jerry since he was close to retirement. None of this matters though...it's really what Jerry believed about what he was willing to tolerate and what his priorities are.
People will try to get the "real story" from him. If we went out for a beer that is not what I would ask him. I would ask about what he valued the most about himself and his career. I am sure he would be too humble to mention what he values about himself. But I think it should be that he was an influence on so many people and made such a difference in many players lives - some who won't even know it till much later. He honored his values and his work ethic and never forgot where he came from - a poor family in a small town in Illinois. I think this part of him made many people feel comfortable around him. He didn't act like the millionaire he is. I would also want to talk to him more about his management philosophy because I think it was unique.
If we went out for a beer I would also tell him that he can look forward to waking up in the morning with the entire day ahead of him, free from the travel and the worry and the petty disagreements between he and his team. He can spend time with his grand children and can exercise more. Now his job should be just staying healthy and enjoying life.
It is sad that in our changing world, Jerry's kind of leadership isn't valued as much. It's about the basics of being yourself, being honest and honoring each individual for what they can offer. It's also about being humble and not needing to be in the limelight and giving credit where it is due. A new coach will do things differently with a new style of managing the team. Different doesn't always mean better though. That will remain to be seen.
In this world where people don't stay in one spot or even one job for very long, I honor Jerry's dedication and commitment. He definitely left a legacy that may not be fully recognized by all. And he took the high road - doing what he always does - what he thought was right.
Cheers, Jerry! Enjoy your life and know that you made a big difference to many both on and off the team.
All Jerry reportedly expected of his players was to "come to work and do the job". He had no patience for the hype and the big egos of some of them. He wore suits to the games but I bet he was more comfortable in jeans and flannel shirts. He obviously had a passion for the sport, and gave it all he had. He was not one looking for credit - always gave it to the team and steered away from the limelight himself....unlike many coaches with less tenure - and certainly unlike many players, except John Stockton, who was probably his favorite. He wanted the basics from his team - and for many years her got just that - and a lot of wins.
Jerry was quick to praise Ty Corbin, who he had once coached, as the new coach of the team. He didn't fall prey to the talk about Deron Williams and his relationship with him. Maybe the younger guy had something to do with his leaving but Jerry wasn't going to stoop to the level of bashing him. He took responsibility, talking about his energy level - he is 68 years old.
Maybe Jerry was able to put things in perspective and realize what is important in life - it's not the glamor of a prestigious job or money - something younger folks aren't always able to see. He had mentioned before about his players not listening to him and their lack of commitment to the proper way of playing and approaching the game as well as their lack of respect for him. He said simply, "My time is up. It's time for me to move on". And you have to respect that. He wanted to leave before he became a burden and a hindrance. Maybe he felt unsupported and it is hard to continue in a demanding job when there is no support. Maybe it just stopped being fun. Maybe the management didn't think it would be worth putting more effort into Jerry since he was close to retirement. None of this matters though...it's really what Jerry believed about what he was willing to tolerate and what his priorities are.
People will try to get the "real story" from him. If we went out for a beer that is not what I would ask him. I would ask about what he valued the most about himself and his career. I am sure he would be too humble to mention what he values about himself. But I think it should be that he was an influence on so many people and made such a difference in many players lives - some who won't even know it till much later. He honored his values and his work ethic and never forgot where he came from - a poor family in a small town in Illinois. I think this part of him made many people feel comfortable around him. He didn't act like the millionaire he is. I would also want to talk to him more about his management philosophy because I think it was unique.
If we went out for a beer I would also tell him that he can look forward to waking up in the morning with the entire day ahead of him, free from the travel and the worry and the petty disagreements between he and his team. He can spend time with his grand children and can exercise more. Now his job should be just staying healthy and enjoying life.
It is sad that in our changing world, Jerry's kind of leadership isn't valued as much. It's about the basics of being yourself, being honest and honoring each individual for what they can offer. It's also about being humble and not needing to be in the limelight and giving credit where it is due. A new coach will do things differently with a new style of managing the team. Different doesn't always mean better though. That will remain to be seen.
In this world where people don't stay in one spot or even one job for very long, I honor Jerry's dedication and commitment. He definitely left a legacy that may not be fully recognized by all. And he took the high road - doing what he always does - what he thought was right.
Cheers, Jerry! Enjoy your life and know that you made a big difference to many both on and off the team.
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