Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau won NBA Coach of the Year last season, and could be primed to win the award again in the 2011-12 season. In fact, no head coach in NBA history has ever reached the 100-win mark faster than Thibs, but all this success still hasn't led to a big extension with the Bulls. Thibodeau signed a two-year deal with a team option for a third season when he first joined the organization, which means the team controls his rights for another year, but that doesn't mean he is happy about the situation. But if he is displeased with the lack of an extension, it's all happening behind closed doors.
Mark Stein of ESPN reported on Friday that "the NBA's reigning Coach of the Year is dismayed that he hasn't been offered a more lucrative extension" and that "his displeasure with the situation is an open secret in team circles." However, when Nick Friedell followed up with the coach after Friday's win over the Detroit Pistons, Thibodeau denied feeling any frustration or displeasure:
"I don't know where that's coming from," Thibodeau said. "I'm not worried about any of that stuff. I'm under contract. I'm fine with everything here."
Furthermore, team Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf told ESPN Chicago last month via e-mail that he expects "Tom will be with the Bulls well beyond his current contract," so perhaps the whole situation is just being overblown. In any case, Thibodeau will be paid like a top coach in the NBA when he signs his next deal, now all the Bulls have to do is make sure he signs that deal in Chicago.
For more on this game, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Chicago Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. Stick with SB Nation's NBA news hub for notes and analysis from around the league.