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Timberwolves part ways with Sam Mitchell as head coach

The Timberwolves will now begin a search for a new head coach.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have relieved Sam Mitchell of head coaching duties, the team announced on Wednesday.

The team will now begin a search for a new coach and president of basketball operations.

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“The future of the Minnesota Timberwolves has never been brighter,” owner Glen Taylor said in a statement. “It’s important that we find the best leaders to shape our talented team and help them realize their full potential. We owe it to our fans, our community and to our players to ensure our team has the best chance possible of winning an NBA title.”

General manager Milt Newton will head the team's moves in June's NBA draft and July’s free agency. He will be evaluated later in the summer.

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The Timberwolves have been rumored to consider former Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, former Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks and TV analyst Jeff Van Gundy.

Mitchell finished his job with a 29–53 record since assuming head coaching duties as the team announced that Flip Saunders was taking a leave of absence as he battled cancer.