MINNEAPOLIS --- Thomas Joseph Thibodeau, or more famously known as "Thibs" in NBA circles, landed in "The Land of Ten Thousand Lakes" after Minnesota Timberwolves team-owner Glen Taylor chose him as the team's new head coach and president of basketball opertains.
Thibodeau, who steered the Chicago Bulls through five seasons from 2010 to 2015, will replace interim coach Sam Mitchell. The announcement of Thibodeau's hiring coincided with Taylor's 75th birthday. The Wolves also considered former coaches Scott Brooks (OKC Thunder) and Jeff Van Gundy (New York Knicks, Houston Rockets) for their coaching vacancy.
According to multiple reports, Thibodeau's deal is for five years and $50 million.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Tom (Thibodeau) back to the Minnesota Timberwolves". Taylor said in a statement.
One of the sharpest minds in the NBA, Thibodeau, 58, has a bachelors and masters degree in counseling from Salem State University. His record of 62-20 during his rookie season with the Bulls broke Phil Jackson's 55- 27 slate as a rookie Bulls coach in the 1989-90 season.
Meanwhile San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Scott Layden will replace Milt Newton as Timberwolves GM with a reported $2 million a year salary This is Thibodeau's second stint with Minnesota where he was an assistant coach for two years during Bill Musselman's time in 1989 season.
"I started my NBA career in Minnesota Timberwolves and it is an incredible opportunity to rejoin the organization at a time when they have what I believe to be the best young roster in the NBA" Thibodeau in a statement to the sports media.
The Timberwolves last appeared in the playoffs in 2004 but with Thibodeau leading the charge, there are lofty expectations for the young and talented Wolves to make a playoffs run next season. Thibodeau inherits as tarting lineup that includes last year's Rookie of the Year awardee Andrew Wiggins as well as this year's leading ROY Karl-Anthony Towns, UCLA product and back to back slam dunk King shooting guard Zach LaVine, veteran play maker Ricky Rubio and power forward Gorgui Dieng.
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