With Tom Thibodeau screaming on the sidelines pacing back-and-forth, it’s almost unusual to the Chicago Bulls’ fan base to watch a coach sit calmly on the sidelines regardless of the box score.
Besides adjusting their eyes to a free flowing offense, fans were also adjusting to a coach that looked calm as can be. Don’t let Fred Hoiberg’s calm demeanor misguide you, he’s filled with every last bit of passion as the next guy, he just doesn’t let his emotions cloud his exterior behavior.
“He’s all in. But you’re never going to see him sweat. He’s got such a calming demeanor. That’s incredibly comforting to the players. He’s able to keep teams in the moment. He would get animated with his team — not often and always in a pointed and constructive way. And he knew where to let that be seen and not be seen.” – Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard
“I put a ton of pressure on myself. But there’s pressure on everybody who is in this position, whatever level you’re coaching. I remember some people told me to not take the Iowa State job because I could only tarnish my reputation in that community. I wouldn’t have taken it if I felt we couldn’t have some success. I feel the same about this job. I wouldn’t have left Iowa State if I didn’t feel we could consistently compete for championships.” Fred Hoiberg
“There are days where he just talks and relates to us. That’s big. Sometimes, guys come in a little down. It’s good to have a coach that comes to you and says, ‘It’s all right. Things are going to happen. I’ve been there.'” Taj Gibson on Fred Hoiberg
“He’s always had a great intellectual curiosity for the game and a great love and respect for the game. Those are all ingredients for great coaches. Guys aren’t as successful as he’s been without having some emotion. But his calm demeanor is a great precursor to having a calm and poised team.” Rick Carlisle on Fred Hoiberg
“If we were ever in a situation where it looked dicey, he never showed any panic. He makes you believe you can do it. Even though he wants to win more than anyone I’ve met, he’s not in your face about it. And I think his players really fed off that.” Mike Green on Fred Hoiberg
It seems the compliments for Fred Hoiberg is never ending. From athletic directors, coaches, and players, Fred Hoiberg has earned the respect across the board. The one thing everyone said was how calm Hoiberg can be in the toughest situations. When he remains calm, the players feed off that. It’ll be a shockingly different vibe in the Bulls locker-room, something that these players desperately need.
