Chicago Bulls general manager Gar Forman said Tuesday that talks to extend the contract of coach Tom Thibodeau were initiated before the season and were tabled, but they’ll resume once the season is over.

ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reported Friday that associates of Thibodeau insist the coach is dismayed because he hasn’t been offered a lucrative extension. Thibodeau had no head coaching experience before signing a modest two-year deal with the Bulls before the 2010-11 season. The Bulls hold an option for the 2012-13 season.

“To us it’s a non-issue,” Forman said on “The Carmen, Jurko & Harry Show” on ESPN 1000. “Obviously we think very, very highly of Tom and his staff. Jerry (Reinsdorf) even come out and said it, we’re hopeful Tom will be our coach here for a long, long time.

via ESPN Chicago