Fred Hoiberg takes over as Chicago Bulls coach

Fred Hoiberg looked at Chicago and saw a deep and talented roster with a chance to contend for a championship – an opportunity that was too good to pass up. The long-rumored pairing of Hoiberg and the Chicago Bulls became official on Tuesday when the former NBA guard and executive left Iowa State to become the 19th coach in franchise history, replacing the fired Tom Thibodeau. The Bulls are hoping a new voice is just what they need to contend for a title after a season that began with soaring expectations ended in disappointment after 50 regular-season wins. “I love this roster,” Hoiberg said. “I love the versatility of the players, the different lineups that we’re going to be able to play. You can play small, you can play big.”

Associated Press