The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly going hard after Tom Thibodeau to be their next head coach, with Jeff Van Gundy as a backup option. To sweeten the deal for Thibodeau, the T-wolves are apparently willing to make him the coach and president of the team.
Footnote on the Wolves' coaching situation: Sources say Minnesota is the party pitching the coach/team president scenario, NOT Tom Thibodeau
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 18, 2016
Most important factors to Thibodeau as he considers job opportunities, sources say, are strength of roster and team's commitment to winning
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 18, 2016
Earlier reports had Thibs as the one demanding full control as president, but it turns out the team is actually making that offer. After the way he was drummed out as the head man of the Chicago Bulls, it makes sense Thibodeau would want some security. The title of president would give him that.
The Timberwolves appear on the verge of contending in the Western Conference. With Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine all 21 or younger, all they need is a few complementary pieces and a coach to get them all working together.
Thibodeau was the 2011 NBA Coach of the Year and won an NBA title in 2008 as an assistant with the Boston Celtics. In five years with the Bulls, he posted a 255-139 record (.647), won two Central Division titles and took the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2011.
Minnesota could be a perfect fit for him, and the additional title should give him the security he would obviously covet.