Two weeks ago, it was announced that Jeff Fisher would no longer be the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.  Three days ago, Jerry Sloan signed a contract extension with the Utah Jazz.

A matter of hours ago, Sloan completed an about-face, and resigned, therefore ending his 23-year tenure as head coach of the Utah Jazz.

jerry-sloan-former-utah-jazz-coach

After 23 years with the Utah Jazz, Jerry Sloan has resigned

Sloan and Fisher have each officially relinquished the title of longest tenured head coach in his sport, and Sloan himself was the longest tenured head coach in all four major professional sports.

A variety of rumors have surfaced regarding Sloan’s departure.  The most popular topic was Sloan’s rocky relationship with star point guard Deron Williams being the reason for this abrupt exit.  That rumor has been adamantly denied by the Jazz.

Either way, the fiery Sloan will be sorely missed in the NBA.  This news also brings positive memories of Utah teams of the past, where Karl Malone and John Stockton helped Sloan lead the Jazz to two NBA Finals appearances.

Sloan vs. Fisher: The Quick Comparison

When looking back at the careers of Jerry Sloan and Jeff Fisher, to date, which coach had a bigger impact on his team and the game he coached?

Both have certainly left major impacts, but the obvious choice would point in the direction of Jerry Sloan.  A few key stats help drive the Sloan choice home, most notably his one losing season during 23 years with the Jazz, two NBA Finals appearances in the late ‘90’s and an overall career record of 1,221-803.

Fisher’s numbers – a 142-120 career record, 6 playoff appearances, 6 double-digit win seasons and a close loss to the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV – are also quite impressive, but fail in comparison to that of Jerry Sloan.

Each has been heavily entrenched in their respected sports for quite some time.  An argument for either coach could expand in numerous directions.  But let’s shelve that and instead put it up to a simple vote:

Sloan vs. Fisher: The Vote

Which Recently Departed Coach Left The Biggest Impact On His Team And Sport?

  • Jerry Sloan (Utah Jazz - NBA) (71%, 5 Votes)
  • Jeff Fisher (Tennessee Titans - NFL) (29%, 2 Votes)

Total Voters: 7

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