Known as one of the best defensive minds in the NBA, Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau has had a tremendous amount of success in the Windy City.
But it hasn’t come without some major behind-the-scenes drama. Despite boasting a 30-17 record this season and leading Chicago to the playoffs in his first four years as the team’s head coach, there is some talk of a “mutual” parting of the ways following this season.
Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson covered the situation in a recent report.
Despite the two seasons left on the four-year extension Thibodeau took several months to sign in the 2012-13 season, several league sources believe Thibodeau’s relationship with management is beyond repair. And while there are no plans to replace Thibodeau during the season, a mutual parting of the ways after this season wouldn’t surprise many league personnel familiar with the deteriorating dynamic.
This sounds eerily similar to the situation that plagued the San Francisco 49ers and Jim Harbaugh around the NFL world this past season. A successful head coach. A successful franchise. And yes, a potentially deteriorating relationship between a coach and his front office.
The issue potentially springs from Bulls general manager Gar Forman’s decision not to renew the contract of assistant coach Ron Adams, who is now excelling in the same role with the Golden State Warriors.
As CBS Sports columnist James Herbert points out, there is also a potential issue relating to management’s attempt to involve itself in Thibodeau’s coaching style, mainly its urging for the head man to limit the minutes of his stars.
More than halfway through the 2014-2015 season, Chicago has to be considered one of the favorites to come out of a weak Eastern Conference. If that happens, the entire dynamic might change heading into the offseason. However, things aren’t looking to great as it relates too Thibodeau finishing out his contract.
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