Jerry Sloan wants back into coaching.
The long-time coach of the Utah Jazz, who abruptly resigned midway through the 2010-11 season following a feud with star point guard Deron Williams, will be interviewing for one current vacancy and is interested in another.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Sloan has spoken with Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan about the coach opening with the NBA’s worst team and could meet with him as early as this week.
The Bobcats are looking for a new coach after letting go of Paul Silas after a 7-59 mark this season, the worst winning percentage in league history. They made the playoffs for the first time in 2010 but have a massive rebuilding project on their hands.
Sloan’s no-nonsense approach to the profession could potentially be a good fit for the Bobcats, who have a roster full of young players who don’t know how to win.
Sloan also told Fox Sports Florida that he would be interested in the vacancy with the Orlando Magic, who fired coach Stan Van Gundy and parted ways with general manager Otis Smith earlier this week. However, he told the Tribune that he has had no contact with the Magic, which may be a trickier situation.
With no coach or GM, the Magic may have to first hire a GM, who would want to hire his own coach. There is also the ongoing drama around superstar center Dwight Howard, whose impending free agency next summer has held the franchise hostage for months.
It’s hard to imagine the polar personalities of Sloan and Howard peacefully co-existing. The Magic are expected to trade Howard this summer but may have to find a team attractive to Howard, who wants a contract extension. The Brooklyn Nets are considered the front-runners.
Orlando made the playoffs five straight seasons under Van Gundy, including a trip to the 2009 Finals. But the Magic have been bounced in the first round in each of the last two seasons and are looking to rebuild as well.
Sloan has compiled 1,221 coaching wins with Chicago and Utah, ranking third on the all-time list. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2009.