Like every game is his last

— -- Originally published May 22. Story has been updated to reflect news of Thibodeau's firing.

Tom Thibodeau is one of the most successful and respected coaches in the NBA. He loved being in Chicago and coaching a Bulls team that has undergone a renaissance over his tenure over the last five years. So why will he be coaching elsewhere next season?

Here is a look back at Thibodeau's tumultuous final season coaching the Bulls.

April 16, 2014 -- Gar loses patience

It's the last game of the regular season, and the Chicago Bulls are in Charlotte, North Carolina. Injured, Derrick Rose watches from the bench in a sharp gray suit. But the remaining Bulls turn in a gritty effort, typical of the Thibodeau era, building a 10-point second-quarter lead over the team then still known as the Bobcats.

As the home team rallies, and the lead changes hands -- seven times before the final buzzer -- Thibodeau rides his best players for long minutes, and it almost pays off. Taj Gibson misses a shot in the closing seconds that might have won it.

Instead, the game goes to overtime and the Bobcats race away with it, creating a lasting memory for the home fans assembled in Time Warner Cable Arena.

In a premium seat in the arena's lower level, Gar Forman had steam coming out of his ears.

This, of all games, most perfectly demonstrates what it is that Thibodeau doesn't believe in.

As a defensive innovator who changed the league, won coach of the year and has a 65 percent career winning percentage -- decimal points behind Red Auerbach -- Thibodeau trails only Phil Jackson as the best coach in Chicago Bulls history. The defense-first, selfless and tough-as-nails Bulls have an identity that matters for the first time since MJ left.