No player was more responsible for the Bulls’ defensive superiority during their championship reign than Scottie Pippen.
The mastermind behind the Bulls’ “Doberman D” was assistant coach Johnny Bach. While Phil Jackson and Tex Winter were busy connecting the dots on the triangle offense, Bach was unleashing his team of dogs at the other end of the court with Pippen on the lead.
The 91-year-old defensive guru died on Monday. Twitter lit up with heartfelt messages and tributes to the beloved coach. None were as special as Pippen’s:
Sad day to say goodbye to Johnny Bach, a great man who devoted 56 years to coaching the game we love. pic.twitter.com/gz6jFcjBsN
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
Coach Bach was a special person, someone who was very instrumental in my career and our first three championships.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
Johnny was all about defense, which was key to us getting over the hump. Defense wins championships and he created that mentality for us.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
I remember the early days as Johnny found his niche in practice. @PhilJackson11 gave him some leeway w/ having a presence when it came to D.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
That Doberman defense put a smile on Johnny's face. But he had so much knowledge to share on both ends -- very respected around the league.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
Johnny's old war stories were fascinating and more importantly they helped us realize what it meant to come together as a team.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
One day I asked Johnny why he wore so many Western suits. He said, "Well, they never go out of style." In his own way he was right.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
Coach Bach had a unique way of relating his basketball philosophy. His military background instilled a warrior's mentality in all of us.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
Coach Bach loved @horacegrant54 and I think he helped him a lot along the way, on and off the court. Almost a father figure for No. 54.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
Johnny and Tex Winter, it was a special opportunity to have them both, a blessing for us to build and learn. Can't appreciate them enough.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
Old school with an unmatched wealth of knowledge and experience... Coach Bach, you'll be missed. pic.twitter.com/EvoNBwI6LS
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
