Chapter 15: Snakes in the Grass.
Meeting Transcript: Utah Jazz Owner Larry Miller, Head Coach Jerry Sloan, POB Kevin O'Connor, and GM Mike Hobbs.
[The meeting takes place in a conference room at the Utah Jazz headquarters. Larry Miller, Jerry Sloan, Kevin O'Connor, and Mike Hobbs are seated around a large table.]
Miller: Thank you all for being here today. We have some important matters to discuss regarding the future of our organization. It's crucial that we have an open and honest conversation.
Sloan: I appreciate the opportunity to address my future, Kevin. I realise my contract is up this summer. After much consideration about my future, I firmly believe that I can bring even more value to the organization by taking on the roles of President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach. I am not happy with the level of control I have, I feel this is a vital time to have more input in roster contruction. I will not be happy to only stay on as Head Coach.
Miller: Jerry, I understand your desire for a new challenge, but we need to carefully consider the impact of such a transition. We must also acknowledge the importance of having a separate President of Basketball Operations to maintain balance and ensure objective decision-making.
Hobbs: If I may interject here gentlemen, I must express my concerns about this proposal. Jerry, your coaching contributions have been tremendous, but I believe it's essential to have a dedicated President of Basketball Operations and General Manager to handle personnel decisions impartially. Removing any of those role's could lead to potential conflicts and hinder the team's progress.
Sloan: I understand your perspective, Mike, but I strongly believe in my ability to handle both positions effectively. With my deep understanding of the organization and its needs, I can lead us to even greater success. I believe this is the right path for the Utah Jazz.
Miller: Jerry, I appreciate your dedication and passion for this team. However, we need to carefully consider all aspects and potential implications of this transition. We must evaluate the best course of action for the organization as a whole.
O' Connor: Well I have got to be honest Jerry, this has blindsided me. Mike and I have worked closely with you this past season to tailor the roster to your liking. I have worked with you for 2 further seasons and have always had a good working relationship with you.
Hobbs: If I may be frank, I feel that my dismissal would be extremely unfair. I have worked tirelessly as the General Manager this season, and I believe my contributions have been valuable. It's disheartening if I am to be let go without a fair chance to prove my worth. I took a massive risk coming in here cold after all my health issues last year. I moved my family here to give this the best shot I could for this organisation.
Miller: Mike, Kevin, I understand your frustrations, and I want to express my gratitude for your service to the Utah Jazz so far. However, after careful consideration, I have made the decision to hire Jerry as the new President of Basketball Operations to provide fresh perspectives and ideas for the organization. Jerry knows this organisation inside out and has brought us our most successful periods. We cannot afford to lose him. This decision was not made lightly. I would like to invite you both to appy for the General Managers position and work with Jerry.
Hobbs: [visibly frustrated] I disagree with this decision, and I feel it undermines the progress we have made. I believe in my abilities and the vision I had for this team. It's disheartening to be let go in this manner.
O' Connor: You can't actually be serious Larry, can you? A promotion last year and a demotion or worse this year? You can shove your application.
Miller: Gentlemen I understand your disappointment, but I must move forward in the best interests of the organization. I appreciate both of your dedication, and I will support you in your transition to new opportunities. We will work together to find the right candidate to fill the General Manager position.
Sloan: I want to assure you, Kevin and Mike, that this decision was not a reflection of your abilities. It's simply part of the necessary changes I feel need to be made to propel this team forward. I genuinely appreciate your contributions to the Utah Jazz. Mike, would you consider staying on as General Manager then?
Hobbs: I respectfully decline Jerry and Larry. Thanks.
[The meeting concludes with a sense of disappointment and tension. The Utah Jazz owner acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains focused on finding the right candidate for the General Manager position to support Jerry Sloan's new role as President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach.]