Jerry Sloan open to coaching again?

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About two weeks before Deron Williams left the Utah Jazz in February 2011, Jerry Sloan retired from coaching after 23 years with the Utah Jazz. Sloan, now 71, retired midseason under murky circumstances; it was reported that his rocky relationship with Williams was a factor in his decision. But now it appears the coaching itch is back, and Williams’s presence doesn’t matter.

In a phone interview with Comcast Sports Net Northwest, Sloan said he was “open” to a coaching opportunity with Brooklyn. “I haven’t done the research on their roster, but I would definitely listen if they called,” Sloan added.

Billy King said Monday on ESPN that he has not made any calls, and the next coach would have to be someone he agrees with philosophically about basketball. In 23 years with Utah, Sloan coached a simplified pick-and-roll flex style offense to perfection with players like John Stockton, Karl Malone, Williams, Carlos Boozer, and more.

Sloan finished with just one losing season in his years with the Jazz, finishing his overall coaching career with a .603 winning percentage, 1,221 wins, and a 98-104 playoff record.