While the New Orleans Pelicans are seemingly taking applications from just about anyone who knows how to hold a clipboard (sorry, Randy), the Chicago Bulls' coaching hunt could be over before it really starts.
With the months-in-the-making firing of Tom Thibodeau finally consummated Thursday, the Bulls can officially start looking for his replacement. But given that they've reportedly had their eye on Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg since at least March, they likely need not look far.
General manager Gar Forman said at a press conference Thursday the Bulls haven't "put together a formal list or made any contacts" in their search, but according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, multiple sources say the job is Hoiberg's to lose, with an announcement likely to me made before the NBA Finals begin June 4.
A source told CBS Sports' Gary Parrish, meanwhile, that Hoiberg and the Bulls already have a "gentleman's agreement" in place and that Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard is in the early stages of searching for a Hoiberg replacement.
With the Bulls' desire to land him an open secret, reports emerged earlier this month that Hoiberg - who underwent open-heart surgery in April - would be reluctant to take on an NBA job and the inevitable stress that would come with it. He does appear interested in the NBA, however, as the Orlando Sentinel reported Friday that Hoiberg had a face-to-face interview with the Orlando Magic for their now-filled vacancy.
One person close to Hoiberg has reportedly expressed confidence he will accept the Bulls job if offered.
Another source told Johnson that any interview process involving Hoiberg would be a mere formality, given the Bulls' familiarity with him. He played for the Bulls from 1999-2003 and has reportedly maintained close contact with Forman, who served as assistant coach at Iowa State during the final year of Hoiberg's playing career there.
Plenty of other clues point to the imminent pairing, including the fact the Bulls are rumored to be making a push for NBA comeback hopeful and former Hoiberg disciple Royce White, the fact Jeff Van Gundy came right out and said Hoiberg will be the next Bulls coach, and the fact Forman was quoted as saying the following in his press conference:
"Obviously we'll have some knowledge as far as different people around the league that will have interest, anyone around the country we want to talk to."
Right. Anyone in the league ... or, you know, not in the league, but still in the country.
Well guess who's got two thumbs and lives in the country.
