Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Phil Jackson might have been the faces of the Chicago Bulls during their iconic dominance of the 1990’s, but behind-the-scenes Jerry Krause was the man pulling strings. He came into his role of Chicago Bulls general manager in 1985, replacing Rod Thorn, an NBA executive legend in his own right. Krause inherited a young Michael Jordan as a potential centerpiece for his organization, and from there, Jerry just made the best of his situation.
While Krause famously butted heads with his players, coaches and media members alike, the executive still achieved the ultimate goal. He won, and he won a lot throughout his tenure with the franchise before retiring in 2003. All in total, Krause won six titles with the Bulls and also brought home two ‘executive of the year’ awards throughout his career with Chicago.
After Krause had left the Bulls, he joined the MLB ranks going back to his roots as a baseball scout for the New York Yankees, New York Mets and the Chicago White Sox, a position he held back in the 1970’s and 80’s. He was last listed as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization beginning in 2011. Krause was nominated for election into the Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2017.
Unfortunately the successful executive has passed away at the age of 77, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Jerry Krause, GM of the Bulls for their six title teams, passed away this afternoon at age 77, a member of the family told the Tribune. RIP
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 21, 2017
Krause is a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in the contributor category.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 21, 2017
The Chicago Bulls released a statement on Krause’s death.
“The entire Bulls organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry Krause,” said Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “Jerry was one of the hardest working guys I have ever been around, and he was one of the best talent evaluators ever. Jerry played an integral role in our run of six championships in eight years. He truly was the architect of all our great teams in the ’90s. I would not have been elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame if it were not for Jerry. We will miss him tremendously, and we send our thoughts and prayers to his wife Thelma and the Krause family.”
