Report: T-Wolves to abandon dual coaching/front-office position

With Tom Thibodeau's dismissal from the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday after their 22-point win over the Los Angeles Lakers, not only must the team look to find a permanent solution on the sidelines, but also reconfigure their front-office hierarchy.

Former Timberwolves player and assistant general manager Fred Hoiberg, dismissed as the Chicago Bulls head coach earlier this season, has reportedly been considered for both a coaching and executive role with his old team.

But don't expect the Timberwolves to make Hoiberg their next strongman. The team will abandon the combined-role approach moving forward, sources told ESPN's Malika Andrews.

For his part, Hoiberg has gone on record saying his preference is to remain on the sideline.

The number of teams boasting coaches with authority over front-office decisions has dwindled. Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers had his front-office responsibilities rescinded by ownership, as did Mike Budenholzer, then with the Atlanta Hawks. Similarly, Brett Brown oversaw the Philadelphia 76ers' front office on an interim basis last year after Bryan Colangelo resigned in the wake of a social media scandal. The team ultimately installed former NBA All-Star Elton Brand as its general manager. The Detroit Pistons relieved coach and president Stan Van Gundy after last season, splitting his duties between coach Dwane Casey and longtime NBA executive Ed Stefanski.

Today, only the San Antonio Spurs, for whom legendary coach Gregg Popovich serves as team president, features such an arrangement, though R.C. Buford plays a significant role within the front office as well.