PHOTO: New Bulls coach Hoiberg cheering on Blackhawks in Chicago
In taking over a Chicago Bulls team with championship aspirations - and one that made five playoff trips in five years under Tom Thibodeau - Fred Hoiberg has his work cut out for him in The Windy City.
If he's hoping to win over some of Thibodeau's loyal fans, being spotted cheering on the Blackhawks during the Stanley Cup Finals is a good start.
Hey look, it's our new roomie Fred Hoiberg, head coach of the @chicagobulls! pic.twitter.com/XAxLCTD4sL
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 11, 2015
Still, some took the opportunity of seeing Hoiberg out in public to reference Thibodeau's notorious, tireless work ethic.
The Mayor, Fred Hoiberg, is at Game 4. First time a Bulls coach has taken a break from work since 2009.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) June 11, 2015
No word yet on whether Hoiberg spent days preparing and rehearsing his wave to the Chicago crowd, a la Thibodeau.
Hoiberg landed the Bulls job after five successful seasons at Iowa State, where he took his alma matter to four straight NCAA Tournaments and guided the Cyclones to a Sweet Sixteen berth in 2014.
The Mayor, as he came to be known during his playing days at Iowa State, spent four of his 10 NBA seasons with the Bulls and was long rumored to be Thibodeau's eventual replacement in Chicago.