Newly hired Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas has plans to interview candidates for the franchise's head coaching job this week, though current head coach Ryan Saunders is still in the mix, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Among them are Miami Heat assistant Juwan Howard and Portland Trail Blazers assistant David Vanterpool, two candidates who were recently considered for head coaching positions by the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns, respectively. Both of the aforementioned were also candidates for the Cleveland Cavaliers job before John Beilein agreed to a five-year deal.

Rosas is hoping to do his due diligence in the process, interviewing outside candidates and getting a feel for what's best for the organization moving forward.

Saunders was named coach of the team after the organization fired Tom Thibodeau from his post as the team's head coach and president of basketball operations during the season.

Rosas has made loud but positive statements since becoming the head of the front office, now with the full backing of owner Glen Taylor, who has empowered him to make decisions.

Often enough, a brand new president of basketball operations will bring his own coach of preference along, but Rosas is well aware that Ryan, the 33-year-old son of the late Flip Saunders, is well-liked by the core of this young team and has developed a connection with the younger stars.

The Timberwolves memorably celebrated Saunders' first win upon taking the job, a 119-117 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, which made him the youngest head coach to win in his debut since 1978.