NBA -- Bulls fire Thibodeau, begin search for new head coach
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 30 May 2015
CHICAGO -- Without going into specifics and admitting only that there was a "breakdown," the Chicago Bulls relieved head coach Tom Thibodeau of his duties on Wednesday afternoon.
"Obviously, there was a breakdown. That's not a secret by any stretch of the imagination," Bulls' executive vice president John Paxson told reporters In a press conference at the United Center.
Rumors of Thibodeau's dismissal have permeated early in the season as whispers of his rift with front office grew louder and louder. Still, the relationship could have been repaired had the Bulls somehow made it to the NBA Finals.
"If we were in a championship series right now, this conversation would not be had," Paxson emphasized.
However, the Bulls didn't come close to playing for a title and were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 4-2, in the Eastern Conference semifinals. In closing out the best-of-7 series, the Cavs embarrassed the Bulls with a 94-73 Game 6 rout at the United Center last May 15.
In his five years at the helm, Thibodeau logged 255 wins against 139 losses, a 64.7 winning percentage. He was named Coach of the Year in the 2010-11 season and led the Bulls to the playoffs in each of his five years as head coach.
With his impressive credentials, Thibodeau, who is expected to land on his feet in possibly New Orleans or Orlando, has two years and $9 million left on his contract when his services were terminated.
"I appreciate the contributions that Tom Thibodeau made to the Bulls organization. I have always respected his love of the game and wish him well in the future," Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement.
In a statement he issued on Thursday afternoon, Thibodeau thanked the Bulls, the fans and the city of Chicago.
Thibodeau's firing was such a big deal that even U.S. president Barack Obama weighed in on the issue, saying on Twitter: "Love Thibs and think he did a great job. Sorry to see him go but expect he will be snatched up soon by another team." (HDS)
Photo: Bulls executive vice president John Paxson (L) and GM Gar Forman announce the dismissal of Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau at the United Center on Thursday afternoon. (hds photo @ philboxing).
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