Chicago's Thibodeau named coach of the year by the league

(Reuters) - Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago Bulls has been named NBA coach of the year after his first season in charge, the league said on Sunday.

Having spent three years working as assistant coach to Doc Rivers with the Boston Celtics, Thibodeau moved to Chicago where he guided the Bulls to a league-best record of 62-20.

Thibodeau becomes the fourth Chicago head coach to win the award, following Johnny "Red" Kerr (1967), Dick Motta (1971) and Phil Jackson (1996).

"This is a well deserved honor for Tom," Bulls general manager Gar Forman said in a statement. "He is a terrific teacher, motivator, tactician and communicator.

"His work ethic, passion for the game and for our players is appreciated. We are thrilled that he is part of the Bulls organization and want to congratulate him."

Thibodeau totaled 475 points, including 76 first-place votes, from a panel of 119 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada.

His 62 wins during the regular season tied the NBA record for a first-year head coach set by Paul Westphal of the Phoenix Suns in 1993.