A 21 Year Overnight Success…Bulls’ Tom Thibodeau Named NBA Coach Of The Year
© Suburban Journals of Chicago photo by Mark Rotor

by Mark Rotor

April 18th, 2011

On Sunday, the National Basketball Association presented the NBA’s 2010-11 Coach of Year Award to Tom Thibodeau, Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls. Thibodeau became the 12th coach in the history of the NBA to win the Coach of Year Award in his rookie season.

Thibodeau is also the fourth head coach in Bulls franchise history to win the award, joining Johnny "Red" Kerr (1967), Dick Motta (1971) and Phil Jackson (1996). In addition, Thibodeau is the Bulls 2nd head coach to win the honor in his maiden season along Johnny Kerr Chicago's 1st head coach.

"I’m flattered, humbled and honored to receive this award," said Thibodeau as he was handed Red Auerbach Trophy. “I think it represents a lot more than just me, I think it’s more of a team award. This is a team game. You don’t achieve by yourself in this game."

Coach Thibodeau A 21 Year Overnight Success

Twenty-one years ago in 1989 when big hair and shoulder pads were the fashion and Air Jordon was only a shoe brand and not yet a World Champion, Tom Thibodeau began his NBA career as a assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

All coaches are a sum of their past experiences," Thibodeau said."I was very fortunate to get a start in this league for the late Bill Musselman. In my eyes, he's one of the all-time great coaches in the history of the game.

He paid his dues as an assistant on the staff of seven teams: Timberwolves, Spurs, 76ers, NY Nicks, Rockets and finally the Celtics. Known as a “Defensive Guru” around the league, Tom refined his craft as an assistant to some of the top coaches in the NBA including: Bill Musselman, Jerry Tarkanian, John Lucas, Jeff Van Gundy, Don Chaney and with Doc Rivers collecting a NBA Championship ring in 2008 with the Celtics.

"I realize how fortunate I am to be here," Thibodeau said. "It's a great city, great fans, great organization and great players. If it meant waiting 20 years to get this job, it was well worth the wait."


Gar Forman - "Tom Is A Motivator & Teacher With Passion"

"This is a well deserved honor for Tom. He is a terrific teacher, motivator, tactician and communicator. His work ethic, passion for the game and for our players is appreciated," said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. "We are thrilled that he is part of the Bulls organization and want to congratulate him on being named the NBA's Coach of the Year."

1st Home Press Conference For New Bulls Coach
© Suburban Journals of Chicago photo by Mark Rotor

Was It Rose Play Or Thibodeau's Coaching?

Granted, the Bulls have Derrick Rose a meteoric young star who has carrying this team to victory countless times however, Thibodeau has been able to do what his predecessor could not, get his team to commit to what have become the leagues leading defense. At the same time, he holds each individual accountable for their performance and has encourage unselfish offensive play.

Rose’s improvement on both ends of the floor speaks volumes to Thibodeau coaching ability as a teacher and a motivator. It's hard to argue with the results. Chicago has a 62-20 win/loss record, tops in the NBA and currently have moved on to the 2nd round of the NBA playoffs.

The 2010-11 Chicago Bulls team with a regular season record exceeded expectations of most experts and it likely played a strong roll in voting giving Thibodeau the nod ahead of the other candidates. Thibodeau led the voting by a large wide with 76 1st place votes and 475 total pts). Followed by Doug Collins (18 1st/210pts), Gregg Popovich (11 1st/177pts) and George Karl (12 1st/139pts).

Thibodeau directed Chicago to the best record in the NBA with a mark of 62-20 (.756) nipping out the San Antonio Spurs who finished with a 61-21 record. Also, Chicago posted the top home record in the league (36-5), and recorded its first winning road record since 1998, as they were 26-15 away from the United Center.

Thibodeau & Rose Get First Victory of Season
© Suburban Journals of Chicago photo by Mark Rotor

Thibodeau & Westphal Win 62 As Rookie Head Coaches

Thibodeau’s 62 wins ties the NBA record for most wins by a first-year head coach in NBA history (Paul Westphal in 1993, Phoenix), and surpasses Phil Jackson’s team record for most wins by a Bulls first-year head coach (55 victories in 1991).


Joakim Noah - Coach Is Very Deserving

"I am very happy for him," Noah said. "Coach is one of the hardest workers I've ever been around. He was here for me all summer, working me out, and I feel like I really improved as a player because of him in just one year. He's a very tough coach and I'm happy for him."


Luol Deng - "We believe In what he trying to do."

"He's an awesome coach and he deserves it," Deng said. He puts so much into it, and as players, if he gets that award, I'm really happy and excited. We put in a lot. We believe in what he's trying to do."

Coach Thibbs
© Suburban Journals of Chicago photo by Mark Rotor

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