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Longest-serving NBA coach resigns after lengthy tenure

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-02-11 10:11

Former Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan answers questions from the media after announcing his resignation from the Jazz in Salt Lake City, Utah, Feb 10, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW YORK - Longtime Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said on Thursday a drop-off in energy was behind his sudden decision to resign after 23 years with the NBA team.

The 68-year-old Sloan, who earlier this year agreed to a one-year contract extension to remain with the team, steered the Jazz to a 31-23 record this season. He will be replaced by assistant coach Ty Corbin.

"Twenty-three years is a long time to be a part of one organisation ... my time is up and it's time for me to move on," an emotional Sloan said at a news conference. "You only have so much energy left and my energy level has dropped off quite a bit."

Sloan, who also coached the Chicago Bulls, had a 1,221-803 career record and is the only NBA coach to win 1,000 games with a single franchise. He had been the longest-serving head coach of any of the four major North American pro sports teams.