Chicago Bulls Fire Coach Tom Thibodeau

The Chicago Bulls has officially fired head coach Tom Thibodeau, the organization announced Thursday. Thibodeau, the 2010-11 NBA Coach of the Year, had two years and almost $9 million left on his contract.

"The Chicago Bulls have a history of achieving great success on and off the court," Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "These accomplishments have been possible because of an organizational culture where input from all parts of the organization has been welcomed and valued, there has been a willingness to participate in a free flow of information, and there have been clear and consistent goals.... Unfortunately, there has been a departure from this culture. To ensure that the Chicago Bulls can continue to grow and succeed, we have decided that a change in the head coaching position is required. Days like today are difficult, but necessary for us to achieve our goals and fulfill our commitments to our fans. I appreciate the contributions that Tom Thibodeau made to the Bulls organization. I have always respected his love of the game and wish him well in the future."

There were rumors that the Bulls hated Thibodeau so much that they were planning on firing him when there were no NBA coaching jobs left. Josh Hill with Fansided, also stated that the Bulls were willing to pay out Thibodeau's contract.

Marc Stein with ESPN.com explained:

"Sources told ESPN.com that the prospect of Chicago simply terminating its highly successful but often contentious relationship with Thibodeau, as the days pass, is growing in likelihood, even with nearly $9 million left on the coach's contract over the next two seasons.

The reality, sources say, is that the Bulls believe there is little chance they would have to pay that whole amount, since league rules on coaching contracts would inevitably see that figure reduced by set-off provisions once Thibodeau lands a new job."

The organization's frustration with Thibodeau stems from the fact that he has not been able to lead the Bulls to an NBA final even though Thibodeau had to deal with Derrick Rose's serious injuries.

The tension between Thibodeau and management only got worse when the Bulls lost in the second round of the playoffs this year against an injured Cleveland Cavaliers team.