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Former Iowa State HC Fred Hoiberg fired by Chicago Bulls

Fred Hoiberg, who left Ames in 2015 after five successful seasons at the helm of the Cyclones’ program, has been fired 24 games into his fourth season as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls. Hoiberg was 115-155 during his tenure in Chicago, though the Bulls finished just 27-55 last year and sit at 5-19 in their current campaign.

An incredible successful coach at his alma mater, Hoiberg never really had much of a chance in Chicago. Dysfunction in the front office, which led to the ouster of his predecessor Tom Thibodeau, has persisted throughout and the roster has been a complete mystery for the last several years. Big money, low production signings like Dwyane Wade and Jabari Parker have hampered the cap flexibility of the franchise, overshadowing the promising young talent on the roster.

Jim Boylen, a long-time NBA assistant who also coached under Jud Heathcote and Tom Izzo at Michigan State, will take over as the interim head coach of the Bulls. This is the second head coaching opportunity for Boylen, who led the Utah Utes for four seasons 2007-11.

As for Hoiberg, the immediately speculation is that he will be a hot commodity on the college basketball coaching carousel in March. No word on whether Hoiberg wants to return to the college ranks after he left his hometown and alma mater for the NBA four years ago.

Fred Hoiberg is a staple in Ames, earning the nickname “The Mayor” during his playing days when he received a number of write-in votes in the town’s mayoral election. But current ISU head coach Steve Prohm has plenty of job security, leading the Cyclones to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances to start his tenure and – after a step back last year – currently has the team sitting at 7-1.

Outside of Iowa State, there will be plenty of interest in Fred Hoiberg next spring. If the coach is interested, there will likely be a number of intriguing opportunities (in the Big Ten, perhaps?) that may make sense for his next move.

 

credit to Tim Bradbury/Getty Images for photo

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