Utah Jazz basketball: Sloan agrees to contract extension

The jury is still out on whether or not half the Utah Jazz team - including Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, Paul Millsap and Kyle Korver - will return next year.

The verdict is now out on who'll be coach again, though. Jerry Sloan, the Jazz organization announced in a press release today, will be coming back for his 22nd season as head coach.

As has been recent tradition, Sloan agreed to a one-year contract with the Jazz for the 2009-10 season.

"I look forward to watching our team continue to grow and mature," Sloan said. "I am grateful for all the opportunities Larry and Gail Miller have provided to me."

Their son, Greg Miller, who's now the Jazz CEO, says the feeling is mutual.

"We have been blessed as an organization that Jerry Sloan has been with us as long as he has. Jerry is the standard for hard work and consistency" Miller said. "Jerry has brought a level of credibility to the Utah Jazz that nobody else could. I am excited that we'll have Jerry with us through 2010."

Sloan's contract extension comes in a year during which six coaches were fired by NBA teams before Christmas. Since he was hired, a whopping 225 coaching changes have been made in the league. Every team, including the five that didn't exist when he was hired, but the Jazz has made at least two changes.

He has been at the helm of the Jazz since taking over for previous coach Frank Layden on Dec. 9, 1988. The Jazz won their 1,000th game during Sloan's tenure earlier this season.

Sloan is the fourth-winningest coach in NBA history (1113-734) and the longest-tenured active coach with one team in major professional sports. He is also the longest-tenured head coach in NBA history.

"We appreciate Jerryis continued commitment to our organization," said Jazz president Randy Rigby. "His coaching style, approach to the game and values portray everything we could ever look for in a coach."

In 20 seasons and with 123 different players with Utah, Sloan's teams have earned two conference championships, seven division titles, 16 consecutive winning seasons, 12 seasons with 50-plus wins and 17 playoff appearances.