Today, the Bulls finally announced that they have fired Tom Thibodeau after 5 seasons. ESPN says he went 255-139 in his 5 seasons with the team. Despite his stellar record and genius is coaching defense, he wore out his welcome with his abrasive style and obsessive nature, according to reports.
“When Tom was hired in 2010, he was right for our team and system at that time, and over the last five years we have had some success with Tom as our head coach,” said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. “But as we looked ahead and evaluated how we as a team and an organization could continue to grow and improve, we believed a change in approach was needed.”
Enter Iowa State’s Fred Holberg, who has been stoically silent in the days and weeks leading up the the firing of Thibodeau. Holberg once played for the Bulls (as well as the Pacers and T-Wolves) and is highly-regarded in the NBA. The rumor mill has bene churning non-stop that Hoiberg will replace Thibodeau – and Iowa State fans who have watched Holberg elevate their team onto the national stage with exciting play, high rankings, and Big 12 titles are shaking now that the first domino has fallen that could mean the end of their run.
Even ISU Athletic Director Jamie Pollard has said recently that it’s not a question of “if” but “when” Hoiberg – known as “The Mayor” in Ames – bolts for the NBA.
Hoiberg recently had heart surgery, and has said nothing about the potential opportunity in Chicago. Recruits have taken notice, though, and some are holding off in committing to the team until the drama fully unfolds. Iowa State is widely-regarded as a top-10 team in the nation for this upcoming season.
