Phil Jackson nearly ended his illustrious coaching career last summer, but decided to return for what he proclaimed would be his final season on the bench. Six months later, Jackson reiterated that this will be his final season, no ifs, ands or buts.
Phil Jackson Confirms This Is His Last Season Coaching The Lakers
In an interview with ESPN’s Hannah Storm, Jackson said that he means it when he says this is it.
“Most everyone believes I won’t fulfill this last-stand promise and I will come back and coach again, but it really is. I really want to do this for myself.”
He’s said similar things before, and you have to wonder what happens if the Lakers do not win the title and cannot complete another three-peat. But given his advancing age and the status of many of his assistant coaches, it certainly feels like the time is right.
Jackson added that he doesn’t want to remain in the game once he retires.
“I don’t plan to be a part of basketball. I don’t want to come back as an announcer. I want to do something else. I have nights where I want to go to the opera, nights where I want to go to the theater. Rather than following basketball for 3-4 weeks, you have to do something that really grabs you and holds your fascination and holds your passion. I have to seek that.”
(via Pro Basketball Talk)
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