Hornets general manager Jeff Bower denied the report, though earlier in the week, The Associated Press reported that Thibodeau was the Hornets' top choice.
"Sources say Thibodeau is eager to land his first head-coaching job and has strong support from Bower, who is close with Jeff Van Gundy, one of Thibodeau's coaching mentors," the report said.
Thibodeau, of course, might need some time to make a decision, as he and the Celtics are in Orlando for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals. A win would get the Celtics into the Finals, and if they can get it done on Wednesday night, Thibodeau would have some time to decide. He is also reportedly being sought after by Chicago and New Jersey.
Thibodeau, who joined the Celtics shortly after the team acquired Kevin Garnett in the summer of 2007, is largely credited for revamping the team's defense. In the three seasons since, they've finished first, second and fifth in the NBA in defensive rating, and the team is on the cusp of making its second Finals appearance in three years.
