McHale Takes Over

The Wolves welcome back Kevin McHale to the sidelines as the three-time NBA champion returns for his second head coaching stint with the team. After the Wolves started the season with a disappointing 4-15 record, owner Glen Taylor tabbed McHale the right man to turnaround a struggling team.

"Kevin has assembled the players on this team, and believes in their talent and skill level," Taylor said. "It is my expectation that Kevin will be able to get the most out of our team and our players in his new role as head coach. He has been involved in the NBA game for almost 30 years, is a tremendous teacher and has a wealth of basketball knowledge. I think our players will respond to the new voice and perspective that Kevin will provide."

During the 2004-05 season, McHale took the reins from Flip Saunders after 25-26 start to the year. The Wolves were infused with the winning pedigree that McHale enjoyed in 13 seasons playing for the Boston Celtics. McHale led Minnesota to a 19-12 record to finish the year and a 44-38 overall mark, missing the playoffs by just one game.

In contrast to his interim head-coaching role three years ago, McHale will relinquish his position as vice president of basketball operations to focus on the task at hand. Despite four wins on the season, the Wolves feature a roster with an all-star caliber player in Al Jefferson, sharpshooter Mike Miller, along with a stock of youthful talent.

"I truly believe that we have a talented group of players in our locker room who have a great amount of potential," said McHale. "I'm confident that we can get this turned around and get back to playing a brand of basketball that our fans can be proud of."

As a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, McHale averaged 17.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in 971 career regular-season games. His coaching abilities will be a direct reflection of a playing career for one of the greatest teams in the history of the league. McHale was recognized as one of the NBA's Top 50 Players for the league's first half-century.

Tuesday night will mark a fresh start for the Wolves franchise with McHale gracing the sidelines against legendary head coach, Jerry Sloan. Minnesota will be put to the test in the next four games as the team faces potential playoff squads, Utah, Denver, San Antonio, and Los Angeles.

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The official press release of the coaching change.

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