Phil Jackson recalled when Michael Jordan said he regrets staying with Chicago Bulls: "It weighed pretty heavy on everyone"

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Phil Jackson recalled when Michael Jordan said he regrets staying with Chicago Bulls: "It weighed pretty heavy on everyone" originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Coaching the best team in the NBA may sound like an easy job, but Phil Jackson would undoubtedly beg to differ.
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As the head coach of the 1990s Chicago Bulls, Jackson played a crucial role in guiding the team and fostering a strong sense of unity and confidence among the players. Still, the job came with its challenges.
In one moment of deep frustration, Jackson found himself questioning why he agreed to continue coaching the Bulls. Though the situation was already overwhelming, he revealed that what truly shocked him was when Michael Jordan echoed those sentiments — but with an unmistakably serious tone.
"Sometimes in a film session, I get upset and wonder what we're doing, why we can't put it together consistently," the legendary coach said via ESPN. "The other day, I stopped the film after watching Luc Longley screw up again, and I just said, 'Everybody makes mistakes. And I made one coming back here with this team this year.' I meant it in sort of a lighthearted way. But then Michael says, 'Me too.' So, it weighed pretty heavy on everyone."
Phil knew MJ was tired of losing too
Well aware of Jordan's competitive drive and winning mentality, Jackson understood how the Bulls superstar felt whenever the team wasn't winning. And for all his coaching brilliance, he sometimes couldn't figure out what to do about it.
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Throughout their time together in Chicago, Jackson consistently stood by Jordan no matter the circumstances. When the Bulls faced adversity, particularly early in the 1997-98 season, he prioritized ensuring his best player felt supported, emphasizing that he and the team always got MJ's back.
"The room was charged. It was somber. Michael was somber," Jackson continued, describing the atmosphere in the Bulls locker room. "He doesn't play cards with the guys like he used to. He is serious. He hasn't smiled a genuine smile in two weeks. He's letting everyone know it's time. He said, 'It's over. We're not gonna lose anymore.' I'm sick of losing, too. What are we, 15-9? We should be 21-3. We lost 10 games in 1996 — the entire season."
"I don't talk a whole lot to Michael during games, and I don't look at him on the court much either. I just have a feel for him. He'll let me know by making a signal, a fist or tap his chest, when he wants to come out. But the other night, I went down and patted him on the knee while he was on the bench, just to let him know we're with him," Phil added.
Related: "I can't get so close to it, too, because of my competitive nature" - Michael Jordan on why he can't get himself to be a fan of any one player in the NBA
The Zen Master kept himself motivated
Entering his final season with the Bulls, Jackson was determined to set aside the tumultuous front office drama that had been swirling around the organization. The team was coming off an impressive streak, having secured back-to-back NBA championships, but the reality was that they were not performing at their best that year.
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Jackson realized that Jordan was probably the most disheartened by the unfolding issues among everyone on the team. It was a crucial moment for the two as they needed to be aligned and focused to navigate the challenges ahead.
Despite the obstacles that the team faced, The Zen Master managed to find motivation within himself. His resilience became a vital asset as he worked to maintain the team's spirit and unity during a season filled with uncertainty.
"We have been having a little family turmoil, and some of it saddens me. But I'm not depressed," he said. "I feel I have every right to be happy in this life. I look around my office and all of the things in here — the Native American artifacts, the signs, the photos of the Dalai Lama and the Southwest — inspire me. Like those bull horns up there on the wall. Johnny Bach gave me that. He even painted my name on it. With the bull's testicles in the pouch tied in between. That inspires me."
Jordan and Jackson found their rhythm
Eventually, the Bulls managed to regain their rhythm. Jackson and Jordan gained the mental fortitude not to dwell on the negatives, utilizing their energy to unite the team. Ultimately, the two were able to lead the Bulls to another NBA title, completing their second three-peat.
However, neither Jordan nor Jackson extended their contract with the Bulls. It was indeed their "Last Dance" as the team that dominated almost an entire era was disassembled by the front office for good.
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Related: "He said, 'I heard you, but I really felt good'" - Phil Jackson recalled the moment Michael Jordan waved him off in a playoff game
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.