Minnesota Timberwolves head coach search: Sam Mitchell the new favorite?
By Bryan Rose
The Minnesota Timberwolves seemed rather assured that Dave Joerger of the Memphis Grizzlies would become their newest head coach after the front office reportedly agreed upon hiring Joerger this weekend.
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But before any papers were signed, Joerger, who seemed just as interested in the Timberwolves job as the team was in his, removed his name from contention on Sunday night leaving the Timberwolves standing at the alter.
It was a rather odd scene to say the least, but now having to swallow their pride, the T’Wolves are back on the hunt for a new head coach to replace the outgoing Rick Adelman who decided to retire.
Emerging as a potential new favorite is Sam Mitchell who is no stranger to the Timberwolves franchise.
After serving as an assistant on the T’Wolves staff for ten seasons, Mitchell eventually landed a job as head coach of the Toronto Raptors where he was named Coach of the Year in 2007. However, some reported locker room turmoil all but ended Mitchell’s tenure with the Raptors after a new regime took over the franchise leading Mitchell to take an analyst job with NBATV.
Now looking for a new job, Mitchell was among the parties being evaluated to join Joerger’s staff in Minnesota before he decided to remain in Memphis. Given that, it’s possible Mitchell could emerge as the new favorite for the Timberwolves.
“So look now for Saunders to target his former player and a well-respected voice in the NBA in Mitchell”, says Sid Hartman.
Mitchell was fired by the Raptors after the ’08-09 season.