The Minnesota Timberwolves won't consider former Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg as an immediate replacement for the recently-fired Tom Thibodeau, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
The Wolves gave Ryan Saunders, son of the late coach Flip Saunders, the job as head coach on an interim basis, but have yet to fill the void of president of basketball operations.
Hoiberg, a former player for the franchise and a friend of owner Glen Taylor, can find himself replacing Thibodeau once again, as he did in Chicago following his earlier firing from the Windy City.
Yet the move won't be made immediately, according to Krawczynski, as general manager Scott Layden, who is still on board — will be given “every opportunity” to stay on, but a playoff berth might be needed to save his job.
The Timberwolves reportedly fired Thibodeau in his own office, following a win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Minnesota is 19-21 through the first half of the season and in 11th place in the West after wins over the Orlando Magic and the Lakers, but face a tough go to get into a tight Western Conference race, with spots four through eight separated by a mere 2.5 games.
Layden's job will be a tough one for the next 42 games, hoping to keep his title by season's end while Hoiberg looks to complete the circle of life as the Thibodeau antidote once again.