Hornets hire Monty Williams

Sources: Williams to become Hornets coach

After pulling an offer to Tom Thibodeau, the New Orleans Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers assistant Monty Williams have agreed to the framework of a three-year contract for him to become the team’s head coach, a source briefed on the talks told Yahoo! Sports.

Hornets GM Jeff Bower abandoned his courtship of Thibodeau, a Boston Celtics assistant, on Friday afternoon, and entered into discussions with Williams to take the job. The source says the three years of the contract are guaranteed and the team will hold a fourth-year option.

Sounds like Thibodeau could be Chicago-bound after all.