Tom Thibodeau to Be Named Coach of the Year

He is too intense. He can't relate to his players. His players will resent his approach. He will never have a good season as a head coach. All he can do is create a decent defense. Criticism such as this had been mentioned for years with regards to Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau and surely was the reason why he continually was passed over for head coaching jobs.

The Bulls themselves passed over him in exchange for Vinny Del Negro. Finally, Thibs started to get some recognition and was offered the big job for the Hornets. But, he declined. He had his eye on the Bulls position and when it was offered, he jumped at it. And the rest is history. 

Thibodeau had a young all star named Derrick Rose to work with. A talented low post player in Joakim Noah known for his intensity. And he had a whole lot of cap room that translated into Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, and Ronnie Brewer.

The season could have been over before it began as the Bulls second scoring option missed the first months of the season. Yet, due to Thibodeau's coaching Derrick Rose and Luol Deng responded by producing a winning record on the vaunted "Circus Trip".

Boozer was hardly back when Joakim Noah went out. No problem with Thibodeau in charge. He designed an approach that included starting one of the oldest players in the league for months. Yet, it worked. The Bulls continued to win despite all odds. 

Under Thibodeau Derrick Rose has become the likely MVP, and sources say he could win the award as soon as this week. Perhaps more importantly though, is the fact that the Bulls, despite all their setbacks, finished with the best record in the NBA, and with one of the top defenses in the league.

As a result, we Bulls fans thank you Tom Thibodeau for all you have done this year. Thank you for producing the number of wins you have. Thank you for making our cities hero in Derrick Rose MVP. Under you, we having something special building. All we ask is that help us hang another banner in the United Center.