Van Gundy predicts Hoiberg will coach Bulls in shot at franchise

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ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy has never been shy about voicing his opinions about the Bulls, taking another shot at the front office one day after Tom Thibodeau’s firing.

In one swoop, Thibodeau’s trusted confidant offered his opinion on who the next coach of the Chicago Bulls will be, and it wasn’t a surprise to hear him evoke the name of Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg.

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While appearing on Sirius XM, Van Gundy (in tweets from New York Daily News writer and Sirius XM host Frank Isola) said, “Hopefully they treat their next head coach better. You know, Fred Hoiberg and his staff. Fred’s a good man and he’s a good coach, and I hope he gets treated well. I hope he gets treated really well.”

The implication with Van Gundy’s words follows a line of thinking that says Thibodeau wasn’t treated well in Chicago in the last months and years leading to his dismissal Thursday.

[RELATED: Fred Hoiberg leading candidate to replace Tom Thibodeau]

Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf issued a statement when the franchise announced Thibodeau’s firing, hinting at discord, a contrast from the usual bland statements that accompany a parting of ways.

Thibodeau issued a statement that thanked the fans, the organization and ownership for the opportunity of coaching the Bulls. Van Gundy’s statement represented somewhat of a salvo from Thibodeau’s camp, with more pointed ones likely to come.

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