Michael Jordan named only coach who could've made him stay with Bulls after Phil Jackson left: 'I don't think he's coming back'

Before the conclusion of his final season with the Chicago Bulls in 1998, Michael Jordan made a definitive statement regarding his future, declaring that he would never play under the guidance of any NBA coach other than Phil Jackson.

Jordan made it clear that his decision was non-negotiable, emphasizing that his commitment to the team was intrinsically linked to Jackson's continued presence. However, MJ also made an exception and mentioned that the only coach he would consider playing for apart from Jackson was his former University of North Carolina coach Dean Smith.

While he being was true to his word, "His Airness" acknowledged that it was highly unlikely for Smith to take on the role of head coach for the Bulls at the time.

"He didn't have a future in front of him right now, so he considers it to be 'The Last Dance.' I'm like the same way. I'm considering this to be the moment until something is shown in the future, for the future," Jordan told Stuart Scott in an interview. "Would there be another coach for me to play for? I have not thought about it in a sense other than Dean Smith, you know, [but] I don't think he's coming back at it in coaching."

MJ is indebted to Dean for humbling him

Smith coached Jordan during his three-year college run with the UNC Tar Heels. To this day, MJ remains grateful for coach Smith's impact on his growth as a player.

Rather than showering Jordan with constant praise, Dean consistently provided constructive feedback that highlighted areas for improvement in his game. By instilling a mindset geared toward continuous development, he helped Mike understand the importance of hard work and perseverance in becoming one of the greatest athletes of all time.

At the same time, Smith kept the thriving Jordan in check. For that, "His Airness" is forever indebted to the legendary coach, as he knew he badly needed that type of mentorship at the time.

"Coach Smith would challenge you mentally. I remember my first mistake. I went baseline and tried to do a reserve move, and he just yelled, 'Where do you think you are? Do you think you're back at E.A. Laney High School? You're not. You're in college. Do you think that was a good shot? Obviously, you can't say yes. He made you think. He never cursed at anybody. He was the perfect guy for me. He kept me humble, but he challenged me. He gave me confidence by complimenting me when he thought I needed them," Jordan said in the book "Driven from Within: Michael Jordan."