The Chicago Bulls organization has embarked on a head coaching search for the first time in five years after cutting its ties with Thom Thibodeau. But the search may not be for long as the team has its crosshairs squarely focused on Iowa State University (ISU) head coach and former NBA player Fred Hoiberg to be their next chief strategist.

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Andy Katz of ESPN reports the team has zeroed in on Hoiberg for a while because of his close relationship with Bulls general manager Gar Forman and executive vice president John Paxson. They are reportedly working on the details of a five-year contract to bring him on board, with multiple sources saying the deal could be done by as early as the middle of the week.

Analysts say Hoiberg's pro-ball type, motion-filled offense installed at ISU will ease his transition from college ball to the big league. They also added that his personable demeanor and accommodating approach to players will be a welcome breath of fresh air in the Bulls locker room.

Thibodeau, on the other hand, has been viewed as a hard-nosed, uncompromising drill master that gets the most out of his players. His teams, despite being undermanned, have earned five consecutive playoffs berths since his arrival at the start of the 2010-2011 Season.  He also won the NBA Coach of the Year in 2011, the same year his superstar guard Derrick Rose became the league's youngest ever MVP at age 22. His regular season record stands at 255-139, with a winning percentage only lower to that of Phil Jackson's Michael Jordan-led teams.

However, an article in Yahoo Sports! describes Thibs' stay in the Windy City as rather tumultuous. His head-strong personality, and rumored clashes with Forman and Paxson, has created a rift between him and the Bulls' front office. He has been criticized a number of times for driving his players to the ground with hard practices and heavy minutes on the floor. Sources observe that by the time the post-season starts, key Bulls players are either injured or recovering from injury, which explains the team's 23-28 record in the playoffs. All these factors weighed in deciding to let go of Thibodeau even if he still has two-years and US$9M left in his contract.

In contrast, the Hoiberg-led Iowa State Cyclones have appeared in four NCAA tournaments with a record of 115-56, according to Sports Illustrated. More importantly, Hoiberg draws a parallel to Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, as far as dealing with management and having the ability to mesh with his players.

Hoiber, 42, played 10 professional seasons in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and Minnesota Timberwolves before he was forced to retire due to an enlarged aortic root in his heart. He has also been part of the Wolves' coaching staff and front office.

TagsTom Thibodeau, Fred Hoiberg, head coach, coach, Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, derrick rose, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves