Report: Hoiberg unsure about taking potential Bulls job, Gentry a frontrunner
That the Chicago Bulls will depose head coach Tom Thibodeau is reportedly a foregone conclusion. Who they plan to replace him with, on the other hand, remains murky.
The Bulls have long been linked to Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg, who's said to be the team's primary target.
However, sources close to the situation believe Hoiberg, who’s been dealing with heart-related issues and underwent open-heart surgery just over a month ago, may be reluctant to take an NBA job due to the stress level that would come with it, according to multiple reports.
With Hoiberg's interest level in doubt, Golden State Warriors assistant Alvin Gentry has reportedly emerged as a frontrunner, a rumor later confirmed:
Didn't get this into today's story, but plugged-in source considers Alvin Gentry the favorite to coach Bulls. "The guy I'd put my money on."
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) May 15, 2015
Gentry has spent parts of 12 seasons as an NBA head coach with the Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers and, most recently, the Phoenix Suns in a five-year tenure that ended midway through the 2012-13 season. He also had stints as an assistant for the Clippers and San Antonio Spurs before joining the Warriors' staff.
Chicago is also reportedly considering former Bulls assistant Adrian Griffin, though that appears to be a fallback option should plays for Hoiberg and Gentry both fail.
One way or another, it appears the Bulls front office is looking for a coach who will be more amenable than the notoriously stubborn Thibodeau.
If Bulls-Thibs breakup as expected, whether it's Gentry, Griffin or Hoiberg, common characteristic is management seeking more compliance.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) May 15, 2015
In other words, they want a coach who's going to be coachable.