Minnesota Timberwolves Fans Were Ready To Fire Chris Finch After Loss To Thunder, Here’s Who Could Replace Him

Minnesota Timberwolves fans have seen enough after the Oklahoma City Thunder closed out the Western Conference Finals with a dominant victory. The Thunder opened up a 27-point second quarter lead, prompting fans into a frenzy on X. Several fans voiced their displeasure with the TWolves head coach, citing lack of preparation, poor game plans, and a failure to make adjustments needed to win games.

A quick search of Chris Finch on X yields a huge list of expletive-filled rants from frustrated fans watching at home and from the sidelines. 

The Chris Finch experience:

– Never has a team fully prepared
– Terrible game plans
– Bad offensive system
– Bad defensive system

And the only reason why he’s the 2nd winning coach in Timberwolves history is because of Anthony Edwards

FIRE CHRIS FINCH TONIGHT

— Alijah Armstrong (@_AuraSoundz_) May 29, 2025

Some fans were ready to move on and fire their head coach despite making the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons.

Maybe fire Chris finch for his terrible player usage

— Real big SOB (@thevonius) May 29, 2025

One X wrote, “Chris Finch needs to be gone. We are not a serious contender until [he’s] gone.”

Just logging in to say Chris Finch deserves to be fired.

How is it that erik spoelstea, mazzula, and greg popovich get the most out of their players no matter where they’re at, but finch’s players play like trash in opposing crowds???

And it took him 3 games to finally play TSJ

— Aaron Real Deal (@GameChangin) May 29, 2025

chris finch of one of the worst coaches to grace the nba. he was blessed with a roster with good young players on it and is only gonna go as far as they take him. he will never lead a team to a championship

— tyra and trillions •••• (@kunascurse) May 29, 2025

It’s hard not to feel for Timberwolves fans, who have watched deep playoff runs come to an end without a fight in each of the last two seasons. With the loss, Finch moved to 2-8 in the Western Conference Finals and his teams were blown out in elimination games on both occasions. In 2024, Minnesota was beaten by 21 points in a decisive Game 5 loss to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.

Which NBA Coaches Could Replace Chris Finch?

While Chris Finch has given the Minnesota organization a huge lift since taking over as an interim head coach in the 2020-21 season, it might be time for the front office to consider a change. 

If the Wolvers decide to part ways with Finch following their Western Conference Finals disappointment, there are a few high-profile coaching candidates with championship experience who could be worthy replacements. 

Here’s a look at three names that would be strong fits in Minnesota:

1. Mike Malone

Mike Malone is no stranger to playing the villain role, so it might suit him to a conference rival in Minnesota. Malone made the second round of the playoffs in five of the last six seasons and brought Denver its first NBA Championship in franchise history before getting fired. His defensive-minded system, playoff experience, and ability to get the most out of his star players would likely put him near the top of the Timberwolves’ list. 

Time to fire Chris Finch and bring in Michael Malone. Finch doesn’t want to hold these players able. Dude sucks. #WolvesBack

— Gaslighting Myself Til It Gets Better (@skoloneb4idie) May 29, 2025

2. Mike Budenholzer

Another proven winner with a championship on his resume, Mike Budenholzer took the fall in Phoenix but has been a proven winner at previous stops in Milwaukee and Atlanta. Known as a defensive coach, Budenholzer is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year Award winner who has a reputation for holding his players able. After failing to get players to buy in with the Suns, Budenholzer could be re-energized and ready for a new challenge with a roser full of players willing to play their role around star Anthony Edwards.

3. Frank Vogel

Another defensive-minded coach, Frank Vogel won a title with the Lakers in 2020 and made it work with a big lineup in the NBA bubble. His ability to get the most out of his big men could appeal to the Timberwolves’ front office, especially with Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid all on the roster. If the Wolves are looking to become a grittier, more playoff-hardened team, Vogel’s system and leadership might be the change they need.