The secret was out on Thursday, but the Minnesota Timberwolves announced that Flip Saunders is the new head coach of the team on Friday.
Saunders and owner Glen Taylor made note that this wasn’t a last-second decision, but Saunders was always a candidate. In addition to his head coaching duties, Saunders will remain the team’s president of basketball operations.
Saunders joked that if anything is certain, it’s that the president and coach will be on the same page.
Saunders said making the decision to get back on the bench wasn’t easy.
“With every team there’s a right coach, at the right time, for the right situation,” Saunders said, “and I believe that with where we’re at right now, I’m the right coach for this situation.”
According to the team, Saunders didn’t commit to a long-term deal. He said his position will be re-evaluated at the end of the 2014-15 season.
The search for Rick Adelman’s replacement went in many directions, but Saunders couldn’t find a replacement and he took the job when he decided there wasn’t a better option. Taylor agreed, according to KARE 11’s Dave Schwartz.
Taylor: Without telling Flip…I didn't see the person I thought could do (the job) so I started to think Flip could be best option @kare11
— Dave Schwartz (@Dave_Schwartz) June 6, 2014
One of Saunders’ first goals will be putting together a coaching staff.
'I have a great passion. I consider myself a teacher. We're going to put together a staff that shares this passion and our vision.' Flip.
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) June 6, 2014
Former Wolves assistant coach Sidney Lowe is expected to be a member of Saunders’ staff, according to 1500 ESPN.
Oh, and we couldn’t finish this piece without a funny tweet explaining Flip’s many roles with the team.
https://twitter.com/steventurous/status/474918607357767681
