Tom Thibodeau is returning to coaching after only a one-year absence.
The former Chicago Bulls coach is finalizing a five-year deal to become president and coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported.
It was reported Monday by ESPN that the Timberwolves would choose between Thibodeau and Jeff Van Gundy, the former New York Knicks and Houston Rockets coach who is an analyst for ESPN. Thibodeau was interviewed over the weekend by the Timberwolves while Van Gundy’s interview was conducted on Monday.
Thibodeau started his NBA coaching career as an assistant for the Timberwolves from 1989-92, so he returns to the place where it all started for him.
He takes over a Minnesota team that is on the rise with exceptional young talent, including two former No. 1 overall picks in Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.