The return of Jerry Sloan seems more possible by the day. The head coach that defined the NBA for over two and half decades is garnering a lot of interest from teams this offseason and if the right situation comes along, the marquee coach could be back. After departing the Utah Jazz back in 2-11, Sloan could return to the organization for 2013.
The Deseret News reports the Jazz have begun preliminary discussions for Sloan to return. However, that return would not be as head coach, despite the desire of fans. Sloan is open to returning to more of a front office role in order to help mold his successor, Tyrone Corbin.
"That's up to them. That's a situation that's strictly up to Ty or somebody in the Jazz organization. If they want me around, fine. If they don't, fine. They'd talked to me a little bit about it a little bit earlier," Sloan said.
Sloan's return to Utah could draw drama for Corbin. The fans in Utah clearly still love Sloan, creating an odd dynamic between the current head coach and himself. He is qualified to help the organization grow, being very familiar with the team dynamics and how to be successful in the NBA.
Sloan originally left the Jazz after 23 seasons because of attitude problems with the players. Sloan and then-point guard Deron Williams had a well-documented feud that ultimately led to Sloan calling it quits. Now with the Brooklyn Nets and without a head coach, Williams is singing a different tune about Sloan. Williams told the New York Daily News that he would love to play for Sloan again. Williams said he wants a coach that will fire players up and be a motivator and Sloan is the perfect example of that.
Apparently the feeling of a reunion is mutual as Sloan said he would be willing to listen to offers from the Brooklyn Nets is they came calling. The idea of Sloan heading to Brooklyn over Utah is hard for some fans to imagine, but as the Nets continue their coaching search, anything could happen.
"I would listen. I haven't done the research on their roster, but I would definetly listen if they called," Sloan said.
Sloan is most likely returning to the NBA, but in what capacity remains the question. After a long and storied career as head coach, will he be able to take a backseat in a team's front office or is he still itching to have one more run with a new organization?
