Chicago Bulls introduce former player Fred Hoiberg as new head coach

Iowa State Cyclones head coach Fred Hoiberg yells instructions during the Cyclones' come-from-behind win over the Oklahoma Sooners in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Men's Big 12 basketball tournament at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri, March 14, 2013. (Reuters/Dave Kaup)

CHICAGO — Fred Hoiberg was introduced as head coach of the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, four days after the franchise dismissed Tom Thibodeau following five mostly successful seasons.

Hoiberg thanked his players at Iowa State, where he won at least 23 games four times in five seasons in Ames, his wife’s hometown.

“My family understands that this has always been my dream, my life goal,” Hoiberg said Tuesday. “I’ve talked to a lot of teams but it’s never really gotten serious.”

Hoiberg played for the Bulls during his NBA career.

“I love this roster, I love the versatility, the lineups that I really think can get out and play with pace,” Hoiberg said, adding that Thibodeau was an excellent basketball coach for the Bulls.