Watch: Tom Thibodeau forces awkward permanent smile on ESPN
Tom Thibodeau is trying his hand at some broadcasting work for ESPN, and the early returns are not promising.
Viewers watching ESPN’s NBA coverage on Wednesday noticed that Thibodeau was awkwardly smiling throughout a segment as if he had been coached to smile.
What on earth did they give Tom Thibodeau? @BarstoolBigCat pic.twitter.com/hn9mA6pKLF
— Elliot Engebretson (@engeBe_Tc) February 7, 2019
— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) February 7, 2019
The public perception of Thibodeau has long been that he is an unhappy, tough coach with a very distinct voice. When he was coaching, it was news when he would smile. That’s probably why he seemed to be so conscious of it on Wednesday.
Yes, a happier, more approachable look might help ease Thibodeau’s transition from fired Minnesota Timberwolves coach to ESPN analyst, but someone needs to tell him he doesn’t have to force it that much.
