Minnesota Timberwolves fire head coach and president Tom Thibodeau

James McKern

Minnesota Timberwolves fire head coach and president Tom Thibodeau image

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.


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."


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.


James McKern