Former Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg has finalized a deal to coach the University of Nebraska. He is expected to be introduced by team officials on Tuesday afternoon in a press conference.
Hoiberg, who was fired by the Bulls last December, issued a statement regarding the matter, in an interview with KC Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
“First, I want to thank (athletic director) Bill Moos, Chancellor (Ronnie) Green and President (Hank) Bounds for the opportunity to lead the Nebraska men’s basketball program,” Hoiberg said in a statement. “I can’t express how excited I am to be back on the sidelines and to be coaching at a university that means a lot to my family and me.
“Lincoln is a special place for our family. I was born in Lincoln, my grandfather Jerry Bush was the head coach at Nebraska, my other grandfather was a longtime professor there, and my parents are proud graduates of the University of Nebraska. Nebraska has always felt like a second home.
“I had the opportunity to coach at Pinnacle Bank Arena with the Bulls, and I have seen firsthand that the facilities are as nice as any in the country. When you couple that with a loyal and passionate fan base, you can see there is great potential for the future of Nebraska basketball.”
Hoiberg will replace Tim Miles, who was fired after Nebraska lost in the National Invitational Tournament.
The Bulls still owe Hoiberg $5 million next season, but that is expected to be lessened depending on his Nebraska salary. One source said that Hoiberg's deal is expected to be seven years worth $25-$28 million.