Jerry Sloan - Chicago Bulls History

Chicago Bulls, 1966-1976

Baltimore Bullets, 1965-66

Gerald Eugene "Jerry" Sloan was one of the most important players in the early history of the Chicago Bulls. A relentless defender, strong rebounder and dependable scorer, Sloan helped establish the franchise's competitive identity during its first decade in the NBA.

Nicknamed "The Original Bull," Sloan joined Chicago through the 1966 NBA expansion draft after beginning his professional career with the Baltimore Bullets. He spent the next 10 seasons with the Bulls and became known for his physical defense, intensity and willingness to do the difficult work necessary to win games.

Sloan was selected to two NBA All-Star teams and earned six NBA All-Defensive Team selections, including four First Team honors. In 1978, the Bulls retired his No. 4 jersey, making him the first player in franchise history to receive that distinction.

Following his playing career, Sloan became one of the NBA's most respected coaches. He eventually won 1,221 regular-season games as head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz, reaching the NBA Finals twice with Utah.

Jerry Sloan grew up in southern Illinois and attended McLeansboro High School. His work ethic and competitive personality were evident long before he reached professional basketball.

Sloan played college basketball at the University of Evansville, helping the Purple Aces win NCAA College Division national championships in 1964 and 1965. His combination of defense, rebounding and scoring attracted NBA attention.

The Baltimore Bullets selected Sloan in the third round of the 1964 NBA Draft, but he returned to Evansville for his senior season. Baltimore drafted him again in 1965, this time with the sixth overall pick.

As a rookie during the 1965-66 season, Sloan appeared in 59 games for the Bullets and averaged 5.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

His career changed dramatically when the expansion Chicago Bulls selected him in 1966. Sloan became one of the foundational players of the new franchise.

1966-67: The Original Bull

The Chicago Bulls began play in the 1966-67 season, and Sloan immediately emerged as one of the team's best players. He appeared in 80 games and averaged 17.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

His performance earned him an NBA All-Star selection, and Chicago finished 33-48. The Bulls became the first NBA expansion team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season.

1967-1971: Establishing Chicago's Defensive Identity

Sloan remained one of the Bulls' most important players as the franchise developed. He averaged 16.8 points during the 1968-69 season and earned his second NBA All-Star selection.

His defensive contributions were especially significant. Sloan was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 1969 and the Second Team in 1970 and 1971.

During the 1970-71 season, Sloan averaged a career-high 18.3 points and added 8.8 rebounds per game. His physical style and defensive consistency made him one of the most respected guards in the league.

1971-1975: Chicago's Western Conference Contenders

The Bulls became a consistent playoff team under head coach Dick Motta, with Sloan contributing alongside Bob Love, Chet Walker, Norm Van Lier and Clifford Ray.

Sloan earned three additional All-Defensive First Team selections in 1972, 1974 and 1975. His ability to guard opposing perimeter players, fight for rebounds and contribute offensively made him central to Chicago's success.

During the 1974-75 season, the Bulls won 47 games and reached the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the eventual NBA champion Golden State Warriors in seven games.

1975-76: Final Season

Knee injuries limited Sloan to 22 games during the 1975-76 season. He averaged 10.1 points and 5.3 rebounds before his playing career came to an end.

Sloan retired after 11 NBA seasons, including 10 with Chicago. His impact on the Bulls extended well beyond his scoring totals, as he helped establish the team's reputation for physical, disciplined basketball.

Complete Chicago Bulls regular-season statistics from 1966-67 through 1975-76. The table includes field goals, free throws, rebounds, assists, points and officially recorded steals and blocks.

GP = games played; FGM = field goals made; FGA = field goals attempted; FG% = field goal percentage; FTM = free throws made; FTA = free throws attempted; FT% = free throw percentage; REB = rebounds; AST = assists; STL = steals; BLK = blocks; PTS = total points; PPG = points per game. Steals and blocks were not official NBA statistics before 1973-74.

Following his retirement as a player, Jerry Sloan returned to the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach and later served as the team's head coach from 1979 to 1982.

His coaching career became legendary after he joined the Utah Jazz organization. Sloan became Utah's head coach in December 1988 and remained in that position until February 2011, one of the longest coaching tenures with a single franchise in NBA history.

Under Sloan, the Jazz developed into one of the league's most consistent teams. His disciplined approach emphasized defense, rebounding, execution and teamwork, with John Stockton and Karl Malone forming the foundation of Utah's offense.

Sloan guided the Jazz to consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998. Although Utah lost both championship series to the Chicago Bulls, the team's sustained success established Sloan as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history.

Across his coaching career with Chicago and Utah, Sloan compiled 1,221 regular-season victories. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 as a coach.

His success as both a player and coach makes Sloan an important figure in the histories of two NBA franchises: the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz.

Jerry Sloan helped define what it meant to play for the Chicago Bulls before the franchise's championship era of the 1990s. His relentless defense, physical toughness and competitive approach helped establish the team's identity during its earliest seasons.

Although Sloan's name is often associated with his coaching success in Utah, his playing career deserves recognition in its own right. He was one of the NBA's premier defensive guards, a strong rebounder for his position and a central figure on several successful Chicago teams.

In 1978, the Bulls retired Sloan's No. 4 jersey, the first retired number in franchise history. That honor recognized not only his individual accomplishments but also his role in building the foundation of Chicago Bulls basketball.

Sloan died on May 22, 2020, at age 78. His influence remains an important part of both Chicago and Utah basketball history.

When did Jerry Sloan play for the Chicago Bulls?

Sloan played for Chicago from 1966 through 1976, appearing in 696 regular-season games for the franchise.

What number did Jerry Sloan wear for the Bulls?

Sloan wore No. 4. Chicago retired his jersey in 1978, making him the first Bulls player to receive that honor.

How many points did Jerry Sloan score for Chicago?

He scored 10,233 regular-season points for the Bulls, averaging 14.7 points per game.

How many NBA All-Star selections did Jerry Sloan receive?

Sloan was selected to two NBA All-Star teams, in 1967 and 1969.

Did Jerry Sloan coach the Chicago Bulls?

Yes. Sloan coached the Bulls from 1979 to 1982 before becoming the longtime head coach of the Utah Jazz.

When was Jerry Sloan inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame?

Sloan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 for his coaching career.

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