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While his teammates reveled in the nightlife, Jackson spent his free time diving into Eastern philosophies, Native American wisdom, and meditation. In the hyper-masculine atmosphere of 1970s basketball, these interests alienated him from many but planted the seeds for his radical approach to coaching.
Coaching in an Unconventional Way
Beginning his coaching career in the lesser-known gyms of Puerto Rico and Albany, New York, Jackson honed his skills and developed unorthodox methods, often experimental in nature. Unlike his contemporaries, who focused solely on drills, Jackson introduced meditation, philosophical readings, and mental toughness exercises to his teams. His eventual joining of the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach in 1987 marked a pivotal moment in his career.