Report: Hoiberg is Bulls' top choice as potential Thibodeau replacement

Fred Hoiberg's NCAA tournament came to a disappointing end with an upset loss to UAB, but the Iowa State coach may have his sights set on a bigger stage.

ESPN's Marc Stein reported Friday that Hoiberg is widely believed to be the Chicago Bulls' top choice to replace Tom Thibodeau, should the Bulls decide a change is necessary following this season.

Thibodeau has the Bulls sitting third in the Eastern Conference at 42-28 despite another injury-riddled season in Chicago, but there have been reports of a rift with management for some time.

The Bulls are on track to make the playoffs for a fifth time in five seasons under Thibodeau, although injuries - specifically to former MVP Derrick Rose - have kept the team from replicating its run to the Eastern Conference Final during Thibodeau's first season at the helm.

Hoiberg, a former Cyclones swingman himself, has led Iowa State to a 115–56 record over his five seasons as head coach, bringing the team to four straight NCAA tournaments.

This was the first time in four tries that Hoiberg's Cyclones failed to advance at the tournament. The Cyclones lost to eventual champion Connecticut in the Sweet Sixteen last year.