Tom Thibodeau wins Coach of the Year

Bulls’ Thibodeau wins Coach of the Year

Tom Thibodeau waited about two decades to become an NBA head coach. It didn’t take him long to be recognized as one of the best once he got the chance.

Thibodeau is the NBA’s Coach of the Year after leading the Chicago Bulls to 62 wins in his first season to tie a league record set by Paul Westphal.

The Chicago Tribune first reported Thibodeau’s selection, which was no surprise the way the Bulls dominated during the regular season. Now, after a tough five-game series against Indiana in the opening round, they’ll open the Eastern Conference semifinals against Atlanta on Monday.

“After being here for a year, I realize how fortunate I am to be here,” Thibodeau said. “It’s a great city, great fans, great organization, great players, and if it meant waiting 20 years to get this job, it was well worth the wait.”

The best record in the league and a 21 game improvement on last year despite injuries to two key players for much of the season, tied the record for most wins by a first year head coach with 62 (while setting a new franchise record) and had the Bulls amongst the top defensive teams in the league this year. I admit I'm a little biased here, but I think he earned it.

He definitely did earn it (Boston assistant coach bias), that is such a big improvement over last year, it's just well deserved.

Good call. Their offensive improvement was probably just Rose's improvement and the additions of Boozer, etc. but it's Thibodeau's defense that makes the Bulls a contender.(Well, they did add Keith Bogans to be fair...)

Only other guy I'd consider is Lionel Hollins, but this is a regular season award.

Well-deserved award for Thibs.

Who the hell gave Spo a first-place vote?

Who the hell gave Spo a first-place vote?

Some Miami fan I guess

To Spoelstra's credit, he weathered the storm and survived what easily could've been a player revolt, so he deserves some credit for his resolve, management of all the egos and getting the team on the same page after their initial struggles. I'd stop short of COY though.

The coolest award among major sports is the Red Auerbach Trophy, given to the NBA Coach of the Year. How can it not be -- it's the only one that has a guy smoking a cigar.

I lol'd