Fred Hoiberg Replaces Tom Thibodeau as Chicago Bulls Head Coach

The Chicago Bulls formally introduced Fred Hoiberg as their new coach last Tuesday, filling up the void after the ballclub fired Tom Thibodeau recently.

Hoiberg spent five seasons as head coach of Iowa State and holds a 115-56 record for his alma matter. Reports claim that Hoiberg agreed to a five-year deal worth an estimated $25 million.

The 42 year-old-coach is no stranger to the Chicago Bulls, having played with the ballclub from 1999 to 2003.

"We are thrilled today to introduced Fred Hoiberg ... a great, great communicator," said Bulls general manager Gar Forman at a Tuesday press conference. "He was the right guy to maximize the potential of this team."

Prior to his stint with the Bulls, Hoiberg spent four years with the Indiana Pacers (1995-99) and two years with the Minnesota Timberwolves (2003-2005). His career ended when he underwent foot surgery (enlarged aortic root) in 2005, failing to recover and eventually settled as a member of the T-Wolves front office before moving on to coach Iowa State.

Hoiberg thus finds himself on the hot seat which Thibodeau vacated. Despite credible showing since he was named head coach of the Bulls in 2010, clashes with the Bulls’ front office led to the imminent firing which plagued the defensive-minded coach throughout the regular 2014-15 NBA season.

It was long believed that regardless of how far the Bulls go this season, Thibodeau would be booted out. Thibodeau holds an impressive 255-139 coaching record with the Bulls and is best known as the 2011 NBA coach of the year.

As far as Hoiberg is concerned, it will be interesting to see how he can weave his magic on the Bulls who may be looking more than just making the NBA playoffs.

But one thing going for Hoiberg is his success in the NCAA.

In 2014, Hoiberg helped Iowa State reach the Sweet 16 and helped the Cyclones win more than 25 games in each of the past two seasons.

Hoiberg already bid farewell to Iowa State players and staff even before the Bulls made the official announcement last Tuesday.

I'm happy for this guy! What you've done for the university the last 5 years was amazing! Love you pal. pic.twitter.com/oSGPWEZWds

— BigGame (@MonteMorris11) June 2, 2015

Hoiberg gained the nod to be the next coach thanks mainly to his close ties with the Bulls front office, particularly general manager Gar Forman. His imminent departure from Iowa did not come as a surprise since many had already speculated that “The Mayor” would eventually move on and coach in the NBA.

Known as a three-point specialist and role player, it will be interesting to see how Hoiberg can get Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and the rest to adapt to his system and how it will succeed in the pro ranks.