Fred Hoiberg to Return as Bulls Head Coach According to John Paxson

Fred Hoiberg isn't going anywhere. 

According to Chicago Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson, Hoiberg "absolutely" will return next season.

Hoiberg was hired prior to the 2015-16 season to replace Tom Thibodeau, and his arrival brought the promise of a faster, more modern offense after the team played at a plodding pace under its former boss. 

However, the Bulls didn't make big strides under Hoiberg's leadership during Year 1 and finished the 2015-16 campaign a modest 42-40. Chicago played .500 ball (41-41) the next season and qualified for the playoffs but ultimately bowed out to the Boston Celtics in the first round. 

Hoiberg's job description changed entering the 2017-18 season. 

Following two years trying to keep the Bulls competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, Hoiberg received a mandate to oversee a rebuilding club when the front office shipped Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a draft night deal that netted Chicago youngsters Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen. 

That philosophical shift resulted in the Bulls going 27-55, but their tantalizing potential was on display in December when they went 10-6 and briefly surged out of the Eastern Conference cellar. 

Given the mandate to rebuild, Hoiberg's future always seemed safe. 

Now that there's confirmation, the Bulls boss can turn his attention toward helping LaVine, Markkanen and Dunn mesh further as the team eyes more developmental progress next season.