For the last three seasons, people have raved about the defensive schemes and effort of the Boston Celtics. Well if you’re a Celtics fan you’ve been thanking Assistant Coach Tom Thibodeau for that defense. He is the orchestrator, co-ordinator, the maestro, of that lock down ‘D’. Sure, when it comes to defense, the passion and drive of the players have a lot to do with success as well. But the brains and motivation behind the defense has been Thibodeau.
After the Celtics in 2008 won the chip, there were quite a few teams interested in Thibodeau for Head Coaching options, all of which he listened to, but his heart was in Boston and he decided to stay put.
Although its more of the same for the C’s just two years later as they are back to the NBA Finals against the Lakers, it seems something HAS changed. Thibodeau is now willing to move on from the Celtics in exchange for a Head Coaching position.
He’s now ready and the Chicago Bull’s are the fortunate recipients:
Although an official announcement will have to wait until after the NBA Finals, Boston Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau has accepted an offer to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bulls, a source told ESPNChicago.com on Saturday.
Thibodeau’s deal is worth approximately $6.5 million, with two years guaranteed plus a team option, according to multiple media reports.
An NBA Spokesman had this to say: “We do not have any rules that prohibit a team from announcing a coaching hire during the Finals,” NBA spokesman Tim Frank said. “In the Bulls case, because they have no plans to consummate any deal before the end of the Finals, we agreed that they should defer any announcement to the conclusion of the Finals.” {Via}
