Thibodeau fired after 255 wins in 5 years

The Chicago Bulls fired head coach Tom Thibodeau on Thursday, parting ways with the strong- willed man who took the team to the playoffs in each of his five seasons only to have his success overshadowed by his strained relationship with the front office.

“It is our strong belief that there needs to be a culture of communication that builds a trust throughout this organization from the players to the coaches to the management and to the front office, a culture where everyone is pulling in the same direction,” general manager Gar Forman said. “When that culture is sacrificed, it becomes extremely difficult to evolve and to grow.”

Thibodeau went 255- 139, a .647 winning percentage that ranks seventh in NBA history among coaches with at least 200 games. He led the Bulls to the top seed in the playoffs his first two seasons and was the NBA’s Coach of the Year in 2011, the same year Derrick Rose became the league’s youngest MVP.

Thibodeau thanked Chicago fans, his players, staff and their families “who have honored me and the Bulls by their effort, love, dedication and professionalism.”

“We are proud of our many accomplishments, fought through adversity, and tried to give our fans the full commitment to excellence they deserve,” Thibodeau said in a statement. “I love this game and am excited about what’s ahead for me with USA Basketball and the next coaching opportunity in the NBA.”

Chicago advanced to the Eastern Conference finals in 2011, but it’s the only time the Bulls made it past the second round under Thibodeau, who had two years left on his contract. Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg, who has not returned to work full- time following open- heart surgery in April, is widely viewed as a top candidate to replace him. Briefly: Contract talks between Dwyane Wade and the Heat are at “an impasse” and the three- time NBA champion is preparing himself for possibly leaving the team this summer, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said. Wade is under contract for the 2015- 16 season, and would earn about $ 16.1 million. He also could opt out and become a free agent. ... The Hornets have expanded Dell Curry’s role, naming him the franchise’s ambassador and special- projects adviser. The father of Warriors point guard Stephen Curry will remain the color analyst for the team’s telecasts on SportSouth.