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Report: Chicago Bulls Coach Tom Thibodeau Drawing Interest From Multiple Teams

By James D. Tillman III

May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau speaks to the media prior to game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau speaks to the media prior to game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The marriage between Tom Thibodeau and the Chicago Bulls began nearly five summers ago. On one side of the equation, there was a Bulls team that could be considered average after two consecutive seasons with a 41-41 mark. On the other side, there was Thibodeau—the defensive mastermind behind the Boston Celtics teams that won it all in 2008 and came up just a bit short in 2010.

Like most relationships, the two sides have had their differences over the years. And although Thibodeau has been reasonably successful during his five-year tenure, compiling a regular-season record of 255-139 (64.7 winning percentage), it is widely expected that he and the organization will part ways at the end of this season.

And if that scenario plays out, it has been reported there are at least two teams that are interested in obtaining Mr. Thibodeau’s services. Being that Thibodeau has earned the respect of his players and peers, it is understandable why teams are keeping a watchful eye on this situation.

Let’s start with the first potential option—the Orlando Magic.

According to Basketball Insiders’ Steve Kyler, the Magic are waiting to see how the situation unfolds in Chicago before proceeding forward with their coaching search. Not only that, but they are reportedly willing to offer a second-round pick as compensation for acquiring one of the best basketball minds in the league. And on top of that, the Magic could be willing to pay Thibodeau a salary ranging between $7-8 million per year.

While Thibodeau has certainly been under a lot of scrutiny the past two seasons, would a move to Orlando be the way to go? If this report is true, the compensation would certainly meet his requirements. The other side of this story, however, is that the Magic finished the season with a 25-57 record and the team is at least a few years away from being a playoff contender. And to be honest, it is very doubtful that Thibodeau would be interested in a team that is still in search of its identity.

Now, let’s move on to the second potential option—The New Orleans Pelicans.

Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams talks with forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams talks with forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

As recently as this past Wednesday, according to Ananth Pandian of CBS Sports, the Pelicans are also waiting to see how the situation unfolds with Thibodeau and the Bulls front office.

And unlike the situation in Orlando, the Pelicans are coming off a season in which they advanced to the playoffs. Along with that, they have an emerging superstar in Anthony Davis. That being said, the right coach could certainly help Davis take his game to the next level.

But if you think Thibs would not be a good fit in this situation, let me throw out a few facts that may change your mind. First, Derrick Rose went from being a good player to an MVP. Former Bull Luol Deng was a two-time All-Star and became the team’s best all-around player under Thibodeau’s watch.

But wait a minute. I’m not finished yet.

Joakim Noah, who was once labeled as purely an energy and hustle player, had the best season of his career in 2013-14 and was name Defensive Player of the Year. Last, but not least, there is Jimmy Butler. During his rookie season, Butler was used sparingly in the rotation (8.6 minutes per game). But since that time, he has emerged as one of the best two-way players in the league today. Simply put, these things do not happen without a coach who is capable of maximizing the talents of his players. And Thibodeau certainly fits that description.

Another interesting twist to this scenario is that Thibs was considered for the coaching position in New Orleans in 2010 before opting to come to the Windy City. And with the Pelicans general manager recently expressing that he felt the organization is very stable right now, that could be a selling point for Thibodeau following the back-and-forth drama that has taken place with the Bulls front office the last two seasons.

It is anyone’s guess as to whether or not these reports are accurate. But with the Bulls on the brink of elimination, this group of players are not only facing the end of their season, but potentially the end of an era as well.

Next: Chicago Bulls: Will They Force A Game 7 vs. Cavs?

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