John Paxson, Gar Forman never wanted Thibodeau — report

Perhaps this partnership was forever doomed. Thibodeau was Jerry Reinsdorf’s choice to coach the Bulls, choosing him over Paxson’s (Doug Collins) and Forman’s (Lawrence Frank and Mike Brown). This was Reinsdorf’s way. He hired Del Negro, too. Like Del Negro, management spent more time undermining Thibodeau than it did supporting him.

Those close to Thibodeau say that Reinsdorf’s statement stung the coach on Thursday, that he had treasured his relationship with the owner. Thibodeau has always admired Reinsdorf’s accomplishments – a self-made tycoon, a successful sports and media mogul – and always felt that Reinsdorf had been an ally for him. Reinsdorf wasn’t around much, though, and talked far more with management than the coach. Thibodeau lost Reinsdorf in the past year, and ultimately lost the job.

There must be free and open interdepartmental discussion and consideration of everyone’s ideas and opinions. These internal discussions must not be considered an invasion of turf, and must remain private. … When everyone is on the same page, trust develops and teams can grow and succeed together. Unfortunately, there has been a departure from this culture.

Finally, the Bulls have the clear path to hire Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg. Forman has been obsessive in his desire to hire Hoiberg, and it will be only a matter of days until the Bulls’ make-believe search ends and this back-door process is over.