Well the Bulls have done it. They’ve actually fired Head Coach Tom Thibodeau. Even though the team has been plagued by constant injuries since Thibodeau has come on as Head Coach, he still led the team to winning season, after winning season. For that reason, and how highly sought after Thibodeau’s services are due to his defensive success, it is a surprise to many that the Bulls would actually pull the trigger and fire him as Head Coach.
There have been rumors and whispers of tension this season between Thibodeau and Bulls brass, however we are now getting more information on the situation directly from Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf:
“The Chicago Bulls have a history of achieving great success on and off the court. These accomplishments have been possible because of an organizational culture where input from all parts of the organization has been welcomed and valued, there has been a willingness to participate in a free flow of information, and there have been clear and consistent goals. While the head of each department of the organization must be free to make final decisions regarding his department, there must be free and open interdepartmental discussion and consideration of everyone’s ideas and opinions. These internal discussions must not be considered an invasion of turf, and must remain private. Teams that consistently perform at the highest levels are able to come together and be unified across the organization-staff, players, coaches, management and ownership. When everyone is on the same page, trust develops and teams can grow and succeed together. Unfortunately, there has been a departure from this culture. To ensure that the Chicago Bulls can continue to grow and succeed, we have decided that a change in the head coaching position is required. Days like today are difficult, but necessary for us to achieve our goals and fulfill our commitments to our fans. 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.”(via)
Clearly there was a turf war going on between the Coaching Staff, and the team Executives. It may have started with the team’s handling of Derrick Rose and his rehab, or maybe it started earlier than that and simply progressed. But one thing is certain, if Tom Thibodeau is not safe after his stellar record as Head Coach of the Bulls, no coach is safe from being a scapegoat.
Thibodeau’s teams compiled an overall record of 255-139 (.647). The Bulls advanced to the playoffs five times during Thibodeau’s tenure, where he posted a postseason record of 23-28 (.451).
Incredible, let’s fire him. I guess only Gregg Popovich is capable of filling this Bulls coaching position then?
Here is some of the reaction on Twitter:
The only success the Bulls have had post-Michael Jordan was with Tom Thibodeau. Now, they have no use for either guy. Sensing a trend here.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) May 28, 2015
.@apat246 @chicagobulls 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.
— President Obama (@POTUS44) May 28, 2015
Orlando's interest in Tom Thibodeau is well documented and NBA coaching sources say there is mutual interest between New Orleans and Thibs
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 15, 2015
Thibodeau, in five seasons, had his best player (Derrick Rose) available in only 47% of the Bulls' games, reg. season or postseason.
— Steve Aschburner (@AschNBA) May 28, 2015
