Chicago Bulls Offer Head Coaching Job To Tom Thibodeau

The Chicago Bulls have reportedly offered the team's head coaching job to Boston Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau.

Thibodeau has no head coaching experience, but is known around the league as a defensive guru.

In 2000 under Jeff Van Gundy, Thibodeau helped the Knicks set a then-NBA record by holding 33 consecutive opponents under 100 points.

Thibodeau is mostly known for helping the defense of the 2008 championship Boston Celtics team, including holding off Kobe Bryant in the NBA Finals.

Thibodeau has been a coach in the NBA since 1989. Rumored to have been a candidate for the coaching vacancy Del Negro eventually won, Thibodeau has always been well-respected by John Paxson.

Before being hired by Boston, Thibodeau served as an assistant in Minnesota, San Antonio, Philadelphia, New York and Houston. Thibodeau will replace Vinny Del Negro, who had an 82-82 record in two seasons with the Bulls.

Although an impressive resume, one has to wonder if Thibodeau can draw a big name free agent as more known coaches such as Byron Scott or Avery Johnson.

One thing is for sure; whomever comes to the Bulls better be ready to play defense.