Coach who took Utah Jazz to two NBA finals dies at 78
Of course, they had to go up against the Jordan-era Bulls both times. Interestingly, that was also right around the time Rick Majerus took the Utah Utes to two NCAA finals.
One bit I found interesting:
After his playing career, Sloan accepted the head-coaching job at his alma mater, Evansville, in March 1977, but backed out after five days, citing personal reasons. In December of that year, the Aces' team plane crashed after takeoff, killing all aboard.
Sloan also had a substantial career as a player, being taken by the Bulls in their expansion draft and playing there for a decade.
