Fans react to Mitchell's dismissal, weigh in on Wolves' next coach

The Timberwolves relieved interim head coach Sam Mitchell of his duties an hour after the team's 144-109 season-ending victory Wednesday night at Target Center. They will begin the search for a new head coach and leader of basketball operations immediately.

The Wolves won 13 more games than they did a year ago and closed out the season winning four of their final five games, including an overtime victory at Golden State. The late momentum wasn't enough for Mitchell to be considered for the full-time head coaching role.

The news stirred up mixed emotions among Wolves fans and sparked the debate over who the next coach should be.

Twitter reaction:

The international fans were also weighing in (If you click on the Tweet, Twitter will translate for you. Hint: both were happy to see Mitchell go.):

Comments on startribune.com:

Posted by philpyram
Sam's a pretty good coach, but the team didn't play nearly well enough on defense to justify hiring him permanently.

Posted bygoldengoph3r
I commend Glen Taylor for initiating this change right away. What a difference a couple years made for this dumpster-diving franchise--from the league's most undesirable backwater to a roster full of young potential stars. Thank you, Flip.

Thibodeau would be good. Brooks would be...OK. Van Gundy would be a complete wild card, and for that reason I'd say no. I'm sure Walton will get a call, even though he's a wild card. I'm still for giving D'Antoni a call. Ollie no. Izzo no. I think it's going to be Thibodeau.

Posted by lsaganaga
Sam Mitchell has some great qualities as a person. When he was a player with the Twolves, he would have early morning private practices with Kevin Garnett and Chauncey Billups. And he really helped both those players to improve their game. I'm sure that is why Flip brought Mitchell on staff.

That said, I find Sam Mitchell lacking as a strategist. He does not have much of an offensive system. And he does not bring anything to the team in regards to situational plays. Compare Mitchell to someone like Brad Stevens who often calls excellent plays after time-outs. I just do not see Mitchell as a long term coach for this team.

Posted by snoozecruise1
Not thrilled at all with Thibs, Brooks, or Van Gundy. Not at all. Hire a Brad Stevens clone or give the job to Sam, unless players do not want him back.