Minnesota have made the bold decision to fire head coach and president Tom Thibodeau.
The call comes only an hour after the Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 108-86 at home to move to 19-21 on the season.
But in a huge move, the team have decided to move on and relieved him of his duties. As first reported by The Athletic's Shams Charania.
President and coach Tom Thibodeau has been fired by Minnesota. https://t.co/BCmeVWZ0h1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 7, 2019
Thibodeau was announced as the head coach and president of basketball operations of the Wolves on April 20, 2016, leading them to a winning season in 2017-18 and snapping a 14-year playoff drought.
He exits with 97-107 regular season record and a 1-4 playoff record during his time in Minnesota.
Thibodeau has coached a total of 598 regular season games, going 352-246 over his tenure in Chicago and Minnesota.
The team officially confirmed the firing with a press release.
"We would like to thank Tom for his efforts and wish him all the best," said Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor.
"These decisions are never easy to make, but we felt them necessary to move our organization forward."
NEWS: Timberwolves relieve Tom Thibodeau of his duties.
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) January 7, 2019
Assistant Coach Ryan Saunders will assume the role of interim head coach for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.
Full release: pic.twitter.com/sleIVTH1sM
At 32, Saunders becomes the youngest head coach in the NBA.
Former Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg is in serious consideration to replace Thibodeau in Minnesota.
Fred Hoiberg is a serious consideration of Minnesota owner Glen Taylor to become either the GM or head coach in the future, league sources tell ESPN. Hoiberg was an assistant GM in Minnesota prior to Iowa State. Scott Layden remains GM now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 7, 2019