During his time with the Bulls there was never any question surrounding Tom Thibodeau’s dedication to the craft of coaching. Stories of Thibodeau’s late nights watching film were well known throughout Bulls facilities.
Thibodeau doesn’t have a team to coach after parting ways with the Bulls, but that doesn’t mean he can just turn it off. Over the summer and during the early parts of the season, the former NBA Coach of the Year has been visiting teams throughout the league and working with them.
His most recent project brought him to the Hornets. Thibodeau reportedly helped Charlotte, giving head coach Steve Clifford “about 37 suggestions.”
Coincidentally, or maybe not, the Hornets next opponent is the Bulls Tuesday night. The Bulls and Thibodeau had a very public breakup, but the idea of Thibodeau helping out Bulls opponents is surprising.
Of course, Thibodeau and Clifford already have a relationship. Clifford has said he can count on Thibodeau regularly watching the Hornets and breaking down their play.
Clifford said he can count on Jeff Van Gundy and/or Thibodeau watching any @hornets game, so he has quite a sounding board this season.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) November 3, 2015
Thibodeau stepped away from coaching for the year, however he still has paychecks rolling in. By not taking another job in the NBA, the Bulls are still paying him. In the past, Thibodeau has been in attendance at other teams’ practices, including a Utah Jazz preseason game.