If rumors are to believed, Tom Thibodeau's departure from the Chicago Bulls is not a matter of if, but when. His relationship with Bulls' ownership has soured this season and he's publicly being considered as a coaching candidate for other teams around the league, even though he's still technically employed by the Bulls for now.
Tom Thibodeau’s Bulls career is likely over, so what happens next?
It’s looking more and more likely that Thibodeau may depart from the Bulls this summer. If he leaves, here’s who could take his place.
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Thibodeau has two years remaining on his contract, so Chicago would have to fire him before anything can happen. The Bulls' season ended on Thursday with a 94-73 blowout loss to the Cavaliers that left a bitter taste in Chicago's mouth considering Kevin Love is out for the playoffs and Kyrie Irving didn't play after a second quarter injury. While Thibodeau is still a highly respected coach, there is no question the Bulls underperformed this season and concerns linger about the heavy minutes Thibodeau plays his starters. That may explain why Chicago has been hit so hard with injuries in the past few years.
Who could replace Thibodeau in Chicago
Three names are currently in consideration, according to reports. Alvin Gentry and Fred Hoiberg are the top two selections, according to Basketball Insider's Steve Kyler, while assistant Adrian Griffin has emerged as a dark horse candidate, per ESPN's Marc Stein.
Gentry has coached four teams, last leading the post-D'Antoni Phoenix Suns before he was fired in 2013. He's currently the Golden State Warriors' associate head coach to Steve Kerr, and his modern offensive philosophy -- the Warriors had the league's best offense this season -- is widely respected throughout the NBA.
Hoiberg is reportedly the top choice, but the five-year Iowa State head coach may not be ready to jump into the stress of an NBA job after undergoing a heart procedure earlier this offseason. He played 10 years in the NBA mostly as a bench player and has led the Cyclones to a 115-56 record since taking over, including a 2014 run to the Sweet 16.
Griffin, the in-house option, is currently Thibodeau's main assistant. He spent nine seasons as a NBA player and had one NBA Finals appearance, with Dallas in 2006.
Where Thibodeau could go
Despite some flaws, Thibodeau is still universally seen as one of the NBA's best coaches. If he does leave Chicago, the New Orleans Pelicans have the most attractive landing spot for him and are reportedly the favorites to do so, according to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson.
New Orleans fired Monty Williams earlier this week and have Anthony Davis under team control for the next five years. With Davis turning into a superstar before everyone's eyes this year and the subdued media attention that surrounds the team, the fit makes sense.
If something fell through, the Orlando Magic are also looking for a head coach and do possess plenty of young talent, but they're further off than New Orleans and lack a clear-cut star like Davis. If the Bulls no longer want Thibodeau in the fold, the Pelicans clearly make the most sense.
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