Flip Saunders hires self to coach Timberwolves

Flip Saunders' desperate move to keep Kevin Love is coaching the team. (USATSI)

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When Flip Saunders became part-owner and the new president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves following the organization parting ways with David Kahn, Saunders made a comment about how coaches never stop coaching. Roughly a year later, it looks like the former Wolves' coach truly meant that.

Saunders confirmed to ESPN.com that he will be the next coach of the Wolves, as the franchise desperately tries to create an environment to pitch to Kevin Love. Love has reportedly wanted out of Minnesota for some time and with one year before he can opt out of his contract with the Wolves, the franchise is desperate to make the playoffs and show him he should want to stay.

The team nearly hired Memphis Grizzlies' coach Dave Joerger earlier this offseason before Joerger decided to stay with the Grizzlies and worked out a more lucrative deal for himself with owner Robert Pera. Since then, the Wolves have been back at square one with rumors that Vinny Del Negro, Sam Mitchell, Tom Izzo, Fred Hoiberg, and George Karl were all coaching targets. Saunders taking over puts a familiar face on the sidelines for owner Glen Taylor, while tricking the front office -- Saunders included -- that this can convince Love to stick around.

Saunders coached the Wolves from 1995 to 2005 when he was fired during the 2004-05 season. He's the last coach to take them to the playoffs.

Topics: Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

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