As the Chicago Bulls have struggled during stretches this season, long-time coach Tom Thibodeau has dismissed any chatter that his job is on the line.
However, according to several NBA sources, a mutual parting of ways following this season is not out of the question, as reported Thursday by K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Johnson writes that there is no intention to replace Thibodeau during the season, but that the relationship between he and general manager Gar Forman has deteriorated past the point of repair.
Last week, ESPN broadcaster and former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy ripped the Bulls for their perceived treatment of Thibodeau on air, which led executive vice-president John Paxson to call Van Gundy's assessment "pathetic."
The disconnect appears to be centered around Thibodeau's hard-driving practice style vs. the lighter approach reportedly preferred by management.
Thibodeau has coached the Bulls since 2010, following a 21-year career as a highly-regarded NBA assistant under other coaches like Van Gundy and Doc Rivers.
He's gone 235-124 as Chicago coach going into Thursday, but the Bulls' vaunted defensive system has taken a hit this year, dropping from No. 2 at 97.8 points per 100 possessions last season to No. 12 and 102.3 this season.
Thibodeau wasn't talking about the matter on Thursday ahead of the Bulls game in L.A. against the Lakers.
Thibodeau wouldn't answer questions about his future or relationship with front office.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 29, 2015
