Who Is Jerry Sloan? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jerry Sloan was born on March 28, 1942, and passed away on May 22, 2020. He was a distinguished figure in the world of basketball, known for his exceptional coaching career and impactful time as a player. Sloan played as a shooting guard and forward in the NBA, primarily for the Chicago Bulls. After retiring as a player, he became renowned for his head coaching stints with the Utah Jazz, where he led the team to multiple playoff appearances.
In 2025, while we reflect on his legacy, Sloan's contributions to the sport continue to inspire fans and young players alike.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 28, 1942 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | McLeansboro, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 22 May, 2020 |
| Died Place | Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
Popularity
Jerry Sloan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his playing days, Jerry Sloan stood tall at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) and weighed around 200 pounds (91 kg). Although these statistics reflect his physical presence on the court, it was his tactical acumen and understanding of the game that truly set him apart as both a player and coach.
Sloan was selected fourth in the 1965 NBA draft by the Baltimore Bullets. The Chicago Bulls, an expansion team, selected Sloan in the 1966 NBA expansion draft.
He became known as "the Original Bull", known for his tenacious defense, leading them to the playoffs in their first season, and to their first and only division title before the Michael Jordan era; after a series of knee injuries, he retired in 1976.
He averaged more than 18 points a game in 1970–71, and over 15 points per game three other seasons. Despite his height of only 6ft 5in, his career rebounding average was 7.4 rebounds per game, with one season having an average of 9.1 rebounds. He was a career 72 percent free throw shooter.
His number 4 jersey was subsequently retired by the Chicago Bulls in 1978, becoming the first retired jersey in franchise history.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jerry Sloan was married to his wife, with whom he shared a loving relationship until he passed away in 2020. Throughout his life, he remained somewhat private about his personal relationships outside of his immediate family. Sloan's commitment to his family and the sport he loved were often showcased in his demeanor on and off the court.
As of 2025, there are no updates on his family or any romantic interests since he has left a significant mark on the community that remembered him fondly.
Born and raised in Gobbler's Knob, Illinois, 15 mi south of McLeansboro, Sloan was the youngest of 10 children and was raised by a single mother after his father died when Jerry was 4 years old. He would wake up at 4:30 a.m. to do farm chores and then walk almost two miles to get to school in time for 7 a.m. basketball practice.
After school, he would walk back home from practice. Sloan graduated an all-state player from McLeansboro High School in 1960.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Jerry Sloan’s estimated net worth was believed to be in the range of $10 million to $15 million. His wealth primarily accumulated from his salaries as an NBA player and coach, as well as endorsements and public appearances. Sloan's successful coaching career, particularly his time leading the Jazz, contributed significantly to his financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Jerry Sloan’s basketball career began when he was drafted into the NBA in 1965. After an impressive playing career, he transitioned into coaching, where he truly left a mark. He became a head coach for the Utah Jazz, a position he held for 23 seasons, leading the team to numerous playoff appearances and two NBA Finals.
Beyond basketball, Sloan may have made investments typical of retired sports figures, including real estate and potential personal ventures in sports commentary and training academies. His business acumen proved valuable as he navigated his post-basketball life.
Gerald Eugene Sloan (March 28, 1942 – May 22, 2020) was an American professional basketball player and coach. He played 11 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) before beginning a 30-year coaching career, 23 of which were spent as head coach of the Utah Jazz (1988–2011).
NBA commissioner David Stern referred to Sloan as "one of the greatest and most respected coaches in NBA history". Sloan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Social Network
Jerry Sloan maintained a relatively low profile on social media, as many figures of his time did not establish a significant presence online. However, in recent years, his legacy has been celebrated on platforms commemorating basketball history. Fans and organizations continue to honor him through social media tributes, highlighting his influence and contributions to the sport.
Education
Sloan attended Evansville University, where he played college basketball and received his education before making the leap to the professional ranks. His college experience provided him with the foundational skills and knowledge that he later applied both as a player and coach in the NBA.
Sloan first enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, withdrew, enrolled at Southern Illinois University, and withdrew once more before attending Evansville, where he played college basketball for the Evansville Purple Aces from 1962 to 1965, where he was named the Indiana Collegiate Conference (ICC) Player of the Year in 1963 and
1965 and a three-time first-team All-ICC selection.
He was chosen as the 19th overall pick in the 1964 NBA draft by the Baltimore Bullets but he remained in college and led the Purple Aces to their second in two consecutive Division II national titles.
