Thibodeau Named Eastern Conference 'Coach Of The Month'

By Tim Bearden in News on Apr 7, 2012 2:40PM

A lot of factors can be attributed to the Bulls' run this season as they lead the league in wins at 43-13, but the factor that can't be overlooked? Good coaching.

Coach Tom Thibodeau has been named the Eastern Conference "Coach of the Month" for March, beating out Boston's Doc Rivers and New York's Mike Woodson for the honor. Thibs, as he's called by many of his players and fans, led the Bulls to a 13-3 March with a league leading 6-0 record on the road. The Bulls' win over the Orlando Magic on March 19 marked Thibs' 100th career win in 131 games. The win over the Magic gives him another marker in history making him the fastest coach to reach 100 wins in NBA history.

His reputation as a defensively-minded coach has also held up as the Bulls kept opponents to a league-low 43 percent from the field. He hasn't been without team troubles either. Luol Deng has a nagging wrist injury (that likely will require surgery) that he's been playing through this year, Derrick Rose missed nine straight games in March, 12 overall, and newly-acquired shooting guard Rip Hamilton hasn't seen much of the hardwood this season, except from a distance.

Just to add to the resume, Thibs also helped the Bulls clinch a playoff spot with their overtime win over the Toronto Raptors on March 24.

A lot of credit is given to the players like Rose, Deng and Joakim Noah, but the playmakers would be without plays to make if it wasn't for Thibs, the history making Eastern Conference "Coach of the Month."