Longest-serving NBA coach resigns after lengthy tenure

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.