Hoiberg shoots down Ohio State rumor, remains committed to Bulls

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Fred Hoiberg has been around long enough to know how it works: Whenever a major college program to which he has ties has a coaching vacancy, his name will surface as a rumored replacement.

And so it was Wednesday, when his name was linked to the Ohio State job after Thad Matta’s parting. The same Ohio State where athletic director Gene Smith just happened to be the athletic director for two of the four years Hoiberg starred at Iowa State.

Hoiberg later coached at his alma mater, enjoying a successful five-year run that led to the Bulls’ job and remains why his name still is bandied about in the college ranks. But not only had Ohio State not contacted the Bulls for permission to talk to Hoiberg even as his candidacy gained steam on the rumor mill, Hoiberg says has no interest.

“Any time your name is associated with a great job, it’s an honor,” Hoiberg said when reached late Wednesday. “But I’m coach of the Bulls and have no intention of leaving.”

It’s not like the Buckeyes’ job would top Hoiberg’s annual salary. He has three years and $15 million left on his Bulls deal. But beyond money, Hoiberg left the comfort zone of Ames, Iowa, because he wanted to coach at the highest level. And after two up-and-down seasons, the competitor in Hoiberg still burns to succeed in the NBA.

The Bulls finished ninth in defensive rating in Hoiberg’s second season, and he and his staff have been working this offseason to try to better utilize a roster that is largely expected to be the same from last season’s 41-41 team.

Hoiberg hasn’t commented on executive vice president John Paxson’s assertion during management’s season-ending news conference that Hoiberg’s “challenge this season is to find ways to be a better leader.” Paxson later praised Hoiberg’s growth, but the initial comment drew headlines and couldn’t have sat well with Hoiberg.

There still is talk Hoiberg’s staff could be tweaked, although no movement on that front could be confirmed as of late Wednesday. Management already has said Hoiberg will return as coach for next season.

Coincidentally, multiple outlets reported Ohio State interviewed Creighton coach Doug McDermott on Wednesday night. Not only is that former Bull Doug’s father, Hoiberg replaced McDermott at Iowa State.

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By K.C. Johnson

Chicago Tribune

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