Sources: Bulls confident Hoiberg is next coach
CHICAGO — The Bulls are quietly confident that Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg will accept an offer to become their next head coach, according to multiple league sources.
News of a mutual interest between Hoiberg, who played for the Bulls for four of his 10 NBA seasons and is a close friend of general manager Gar Forman, and Chicago isn’t a surprise. He has close relationships with several people in the Bulls front office and is well regarded for his success in Ames.
Former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau was fired Thursday after five years on the job. Thibodeau had two years and almost $9 million left on his contract.
The timetable on exactly when Hoiberg, 42, might formally sign a contract is still being hammered out. While the feeling within the organization continues to be that a contract and introductory news conference could come as early as next week, the Bulls, according to sources, are giving extra consideration to the time frame because Hoiberg recently underwent heart surgery.
Bleacher Report and the Chicago Tribune also reported that a deal between Hoiberg and the Bulls is expected. The Orlando Sentinel reported Friday that Hoiberg also interviewed with the Orlando Magic for its head coaching vacancy. Scott Skiles was named head coach of the Magic Friday afternoon.
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