It has been nearly a full year since former Timberwolves head coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau was fired. Speaking to Frank Isola of The Athletic, Thibodeau said that he has kept busy over those last 11+ months with plenty of traveling, TV work, and visits to teams. However, if the opportunity arises, he wouldn’t hesitate to return to the sidelines for an NBA franchise.
“Oh, yeah. I want to coach,” Thibodeau told Isola. “I’ve always known that.”
Thibodeau, who took over as the Bulls’ head coach in 2010, compiled a 255-139 (.647) record in Chicago before going 97-107 (.475) in two-and-a-half seasons in Minnesota.
Thibodeau took a year off from coaching between his stints with the Bulls and Wolves, and it’s no surprise he seems willing to accept an even longer layoff this time around. He said in June that he wants to be patient and wait for the right NBA opportunity, since he “still [has] some time” on his contract. Thibs’ five-year deal with Minnesota ran through the 2020/21 season, so he’s still getting paid by the club.
It remains to be seen how many head coaching jobs will open up around the league this spring, but it’s safe to assume at least one big-market team – the Knicks – will make a new hire unless Mike Miller makes a very strong impression. Thibodeau was recently rumored to be among the names on New York’s potential wish list.
Thibodeau’s conversation with Isola also features the former head coach’s thoughts on load management, his job performance in Minnesota, Jimmy Butler‘s fit in Miami, and more, so it’s worth reading in full if you’re an Athletic subscriber.
Thibbs is a great coach but he’s a burn out coach. People don’t like to be around others who are that intense with no off switch.
How do ya think Thibs feels abt load management? Lolz
Terrific Bulls coach. Never should have fired him.
Runs a tight ship but everyone improves under his tutelage. Yeah, his methods can wear guys down and maybe his shelf life isn’t long term but I’d take him back on the Bulls in a heartbeat if we can rid ourselves of the current inept front office.
Boylen does have a little Thibs in him.
I’m a big fan of Thibodeau, but I’m not sure he should be a head coach in the NBA. And he should definitely not be a GM.
While he’s definitely had success coaching in Chicago, his time in Minnesota was bad. It’s telling that Wiggins looked good before Thibs and good after Thibs, but never during. And I wonder how Zach LaVine might be helping the Wolves right now were it not for the Butler trade.
Thibs defensive schemes aren’t revolutionary any longer either. Minny was never good defensively, which is odd because that’s the one thing everyone expected.
And Thibs rotations have never made sense.
I don’t think he’s too old or washed up, but he’s probably not a head coach.
I always thought maybe he should coach college his style wouldn’t hurt him since they have 8 less min and less games a week
Never give him the GM role. But he’d be a great assistant to a young HC. As a HC yes he burns out guys, no conducive to this sensitive new age player.