Finch Named Head Coach After Successful Interim Tenure

Timberwolves Name Chris Finch Head Coach

Finch Named Head Coach After Successful Interim Tenure

On February 22, 2021, the Minnesota Timberwolves named Chris Finch as the team's new head coach. Finch took over as interim head coach on January 22, 2021, after the team fired Ryan Saunders, and led the team to a 16-25 record in that span. He is the third head coach in Timberwolves history to have a winning record as an interim coach, joining Tom Thibodeau and Flip Saunders.

Finch's Success as Interim Coach

Under Finch, the Timberwolves showed significant improvement, particularly on the offensive end of the floor. The team ranked 29th in offensive rating under Saunders but jumped to 14th under Finch. The team also improved its record against Western Conference opponents, going 12-17 under Finch compared to 7-18 under Saunders.

"We are excited to name Chris as our new head coach," said Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas. "He has done an incredible job since taking over as interim coach, and we believe he is the right person to lead this team going forward."

Finch's Background

Finch has over 20 years of coaching experience, including stints as an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans Pelicans. He was also the head coach of the Austin Toros of the NBA G League from 2016 to 2019.