Norm Sloan was born on June 25, 1926 in Indiana. He grew up with a passion for sports, playing both basketball and football during his high school years. After graduating, he went on to attend North Carolina State University where he would continue to excel in both sports.
During his time at North Carolina State, Sloan played three years of college basketball under the legendary head coach Everett Case. He was known as a talented player and was part of the famed "Hoosier Hotshots" recruited by Case. Sloan's skills on the court quickly earned him recognition and set the stage for his future career in basketball.
After graduating from college, Sloan decided to pursue a career in coaching. He started out as an assistant coach at various schools before landing his first head coaching position at The Citadel. Sloan's successful coaching style caught the attention of larger universities, leading him to coach at prestigious schools such as North Carolina State and the University of Florida.
Throughout his 38-year coaching career, Sloan received numerous accolades and awards. He was a five-time Coach of the Year recipient and his crowning achievement came in 1974 when he led the North Carolina State Wolfpack to victory in the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship.
Sloan retired in 1989 as the winningest coach in Florida Gator history, with an impressive 235 wins under his belt. His coaching record remained unmatched until 2006 when it was surpassed by another renowned coach, Billy Donovan. Sloan's impact on the basketball world was undeniable, as he coached and mentored a great many star players during his career.
Off the court, Sloan was a devoted husband to his wife Joan for 55 years and a loving father to their three children. He valued family and his personal relationships just as much as his coaching successes.
Norm Sloan's contributions to the world of college basketball will always be remembered. His passionate coaching style and dedication to the game left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire players and fans alike.