The Chicago Bulls announced today the hiring of Tom Thibodeau as the 18th head coach in franchise history.

?I am extremely pleased to welcome Tom Thibodeau as our new head coach.  As I went through the process to search for the next head coach of the Chicago Bulls, the longer the process went it became apparent that Tom was a perfect fit for the Bulls,? said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. ?He is a great communicator and teacher of the game, and he fits our organizational philosophy from a defensive standpoint.  With his experience and knowledge of the NBA, I am confident he will be a great leader for our team.?

Thibodeau, 52, most recently served as Associate Head Coach for the Boston Celtics for the last three seasons.  As the lead assistant on Doc Rivers? coaching staff, Thibodeau was responsible for the team?s defensive principles and strategies.  During his time in Boston, Thibodeau and the Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals in 2008 and 2010, and claimed the Celtics 17th NBA Championship in 2008.

?I am very excited to be here and to join the Bulls organization.  Chicago is a great city with great fans and a storied history,? said Thibodeau. ?I would like to thank Jerry Reinsdorf and Gar Forman for presenting me with such a terrific opportunity.  We have a talented team with a good nucleus of players, and I am eager to get started.?