Former Bulls general manager Jerry Krause dies at 77

Former Chicago Bulls general manager Jerry Krause has passed away.

Krause, who oversaw all six of the Bulls’ championship teams, died Tuesday at age 77, a family member confirmed to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Jerry Krause, GM of the Bulls for their six title teams, passed away this afternoon at age 77, a member of the family told the Tribune. RIP

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 21, 2017

A two-time Executive of the Year Award winner, Krause was hired as Bulls GM in 1985 and is credited with building a dynasty around superstar guard Michael Jordan. Among his many moves, Krause hired Hall of Fame head coach Phil Jackson and triangle offense savant Tex Winter, drafted Horace Grant and Toni Kukoc, and traded for Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.

While the latter part of his tenure with the Bulls was marred by tension with Jackson, Jordan, and others, the legacy of Krause, who was just in the news again recently for some comments he made last month, is forever cemented as the architect of a team that took home six NBA titles in eight seasons.