Kurt Rambis is the New Coach in Minny

by Marcel Mutoni

The goodbyes have begun, as Kurt Rambis and his family prepare to pick up some winter garments. The Minnesota Timberwolves’ endless search for a head coach came to an end this weekend, as a deal with Rambis was verbally finalized.

When it became clear that he wouldn’t be getting his shot to be the top dog in L.A. anytime soon, Kurt got tired of waiting, and went looking elsewhere. And no matter what some may claim, you simply can’t blame the guy for his decision.

The T-Wolves will officially introduce Rambis tomorrow, according to the Pioneer Press:

[Team owner Glen Taylor] said it’s his assumption that Rambis will sign the contract, believed to be for four years and more than $8 million, on Monday and be introduced at a Tuesday news conference.

“Kurt, with his experience playing and coaching for a winning organization and working under people like Pat Riley, will bring a lot to our organization,” Taylor said. “In meeting with him and talking to him, I know he’s very excited about having an opportunity to help build his own team.”

And so, Rambis — who beat out Mark Jackson and Rockets assisant Elston Turner for the job — replaces the man who famously clotheslined him a quarter of a century ago. It’s the circle of life.

Rambis, in his lone head coaching role (during the lockout shortened 1999 season) went 25-13. He now takes over a team that won only 24 games in eighty-two tries last year.