As the Utah Jazz part ways with longtime strength and conditioning coach Mark McKown, the organization takes yet another step towards officially putting the John Stockton and Karl Malone era behind them.

Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune details how McKown was considered as a vital part of the team when he was first hired by the franchise in 1997.

“McKown moved to Utah in advance of the 1997-98 season, becoming the Jazz’s first full-time strength and conditioning coach after working with the New York Knicks. Immediately, he formed a working relationship with Karl Malone, becoming legendary late-night workout buddies with the hall-of-fame power forward.”

The Stockton/Malone era of the Jazz in the 90's is still widely considered as the most successful period in the history of the organization. The team were perennial contenders for the championship, and even made it to the NBA Finals in two consecutive seasons between 1997 and 1998. Interestingly enough, this was the exact time when McKown joined the club.

McKown himself had nothing but nice things to say about his time in Utah. The coach was also very appreciative of having had the opportunity to work with two of the greatest to ever play the game.

“I’ve had over 20 wonderful years with the Jazz, an opportunity for which I will forever be grateful,” McKown said. “The move to Salt Lake in the summer of 1997 put me in the position to work with a host of outstanding coaches and trainers, as well as a long list of incredible players, including the greatest point guard and power forward to ever play the game.”

McKown will now pursue a career as an independent specialist in the discipline of strength and conditioning. Best of luck to this wonderful Jazzman.