Bulls name Fred Hoiberg head coach
By Mike Dyce
The Chicago Bulls formally introduced Fred Hoiberg as their new head coach on Tuesday.
After months of rumors, the Chicago Bulls have officially named Fred Hoiberg the next head coach. Hoiberg was previously the head coach at Iowa State, where he won the Big 12 tournament twice and was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2012.
“I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity to coach the Chicago Bulls. Everyone back in Ames knows what Iowa State means to me and my family. I am closing a special chapter in my life and beginning a new one here in Chicago,” said Hoiberg, via a statement from the team. “Being a head coach in the NBA has always been a goal of mine and to be able to do it at this time with the Bulls was the right fit for me. Having played in the league for 10 years, and then worked in a front office of an NBA team for four years, I am ready to begin this next phase of my career and help this team win an NBA Championship.”
Hoiberg becomes the 19th head coach in Bulls history, replacing the departed Tom Thibodeau. Hoiberg’s predecessor and management conflicted at times and Bulls general manager Gar Forman noted that Hoiberg was “a great communicator” in his comment.
“In Fred, we feel that we’ve got a guy who has a terrific package of skills: a winning coach, a natural leader and a great communicator,” said Forman. “He is a guy that has played in the league, has been an executive in the league and has had unparalleled success coaching at Iowa State—winning multiple Big 12 Championships, consistently having nationally-ranked teams and NCAA tournament teams. There is no question that we think he’s the right fit and that he will maximize the potential of this team.”
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.