In a statement to Marc Berman of the New York Post, longtime New England Patriots manager Bill Belichick spoke about his relationship with Thibodeau.
“We both have strong defensive backgrounds,” he said. “But other than that, you should ask him for details. I love the way Tom trains. He’s balanced and does a great job with quick adjustments and decisions.”
From his days growing up in New Britain, Connecticut, to a stint while he was the Boston Celtics associate manager (2007-10) under Doc Rivers (2004-13), Thibodeau’s Patriots fandom overlapped as he climbed a scale as coach to the Chicago Bulls (2010-15) and Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-19) head coach.
“I grew up in Connecticut, so obviously I’m a Patriots fan,” Thibodeau told ESPN in 2018. “When I was in Boston, I had the opportunity to watch them very closely. I was lucky enough to go down (for) one day and watch the practice and have a chance to visit with (Belichick).
“His record speaks for itself. He is one of the greatest of all time, if not the greatest. What he did is simply fantastic, and as a New Englander I don’t take it for granted. I appreciate every moment.”
Belichick, 68, is a six-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year. In his 21st year as Patriots head coach, he sports a record of 275-131.
Thibodeau, 62, began his coaching career in New England via Salem State (assistant 1981-84, manager 1984-85) and Harvard (assistant 1985-89) before a 1989 NBA jump to the Timberwolves staff. NBA Coach of the Year 2011, Thibodeau is 598-352 in total with seven playoff appearances.