Wolves relieve Sam Mitchell of coaching duties, start search

Minnesota Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell addressed the media likely for the last time as Timberwolves coach Wednesday following his team's 144-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.Minnesota Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shared an embrace as Towns walked to the bench in the fourth quarter for the final time this season.Minnesota Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell looked down to his feet during a break in the action in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans.Minnesota Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell yelled down the court to his team during the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans.Minnesota Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell walked onto the court a few minutes before the start of Wednesday night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans.Minnesota Timberwolves coaches Sam Mitchell and Flip Saunders late in the game. Dallas beat Minnesota by a final score of 98-75.Minnesota Timberwolves coach Sam Mitchell spoke to media about Flip Saunders after practice on Monday.Minnesota Timberwolves coach Sam Mitchell during pregame introductions. Mitchell filled in for head coach Flip Saunders who was absent due to illness.With less than 30 seconds to play and a comfortable lead, Timberwolves head coach Sam Mitchell talked to his players during the final timeout of the fourth quarter Monday night.Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Sam Mitchell yelled instruction to his team at Target Center Tuesday November 10, 2015 in Minneapolis, MN.Minnesota Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell spoke with Zach LaVine (8).(KYNDELL HARKNESS/STAR TRIBUNE) kyndell.harkness@startribune.com Wolves vs Kings at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Min., Friday December 18, 2015.Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell spoke with Karl-Anthony Towns in the second quarter.Minnesota Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell argued against an offensive foul call in the third quarter during Wednesday night's game against the San Antonio Spurs.Minnesota Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell and team watched a tribute to the late Flip Saunders before the start of Monday night's home opener.Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) was all smiles after hugging Minnesota Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell after the Timberwolves 123-122 win over the Lakers Wednesday night.Minnesota Timberwolves coach Sam Mitchell.Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell reacted to a call in the fourth quarter.Minnesota Timberwolves coach Sam Mitchell spoke to the media about Flip Saunders after practice on Monday.Assistant coach Sam Mitchell, left, and Nikola Pekovic discussed a play during one of the scrimmages early Tuesday morning at Bresnan Arena in Taylor Center in Mankato.Minnesota Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell reacted to a call in the fourth quarter.Minnesota Timberwolves interim head coach Sam Mitchell spoke with referee Mark Lindsay (29) in the second quarter.Timberwolves head coach Sam Mitchell made a point with Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during a timeout in the second quarter Sunday afternoon.The Timberwolves made it official, relieving Sam Mitchell of his coaching duties Wednesday night after their win over New Orleans.

…