by Eldon Khorshidi | @eldonadam
Although Tom Thibodeau is among the best coaches in the NBA, the Chicago Bulls front-office has been enigmatical in their approach to extend Thibs’ contract. While management did pick up Thibodeau’s option for this upcoming year, the 2011 NBA Coach of the Year is without a contract past the 12-13 season.
This week, Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf will try to quell the looming what if scenarios by locking-up Thibs for the foreseeable future. The two have reportedly resumed negotiating a long-term contract for the third-year head coach, which they hope to sign before the start of the regular season.
More details, via ESPN.com:
Chicago Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and coach Tom Thibodeau have resumed negotiations about a contract extension for Thibodeau, according to a source familiar with the situation. The Bulls picked up Thibodeau’s option for the 2012-13 season after last season. General manager Gar Forman repeatedly has stated that it is the organization’s intention to lock up Thibodeau for the long term, even though talks stalled earlier in the summer. Thibodeau, who won 100 games faster than any coach in NBA history, was hired two summers ago after serving as an assistant for the Boston Celtics under Doc Rivers. The Bulls have led the league in regular-season wins both years under Thibodeau, who won coach of the year honors in his first season and finished second last season. Reports surfaced last season that Thibodeau was unhappy he did not have an extension secured. Forman then appeared on “The Carmen, Jurko & Harry Show” on ESPN 1000 and stated that talks had begun before last season and would resume after the season. Thibodeau and Forman did not immediately return phone messages. Bulls players, notably Derrick Rose, have been vocal in support of their coach. While Thibodeau has a hard-charging mentality, Bulls players respect the way he prepares and appreciate his work ethic.
