WASHINGTON, May 1 -- Chicago Bulls' Tom Thibodeau was named NBA Coach of the Year on Sunday after leading his team to tie a record for most wins by a coach in his first season.

Thibodeau was the runaway winner in balloting by 119 media members who cover the NBA. He, with 76 first-place votes and 475 points, easily beat Philadelphia 76ers' Doug Collins and San Antonio's Gregg Popovich.

"I'm flattered, humbled and honored to receive this award, but I think it represents a lot more than just me," said Thibodeau at a news conference Sunday at the team's practice center.

Thibodeau is expected to receive the Red Auerbach Trophy prior to Chicago's Eastern Conference semifinals series opener against Atlanta on Monday night at the United Center.

He led the Bulls to a 62-20 record this season after leaving his assistant's position with the Boston Celtics and replace Vinny Del Negro in Chicago.

The previous coach who won 62 games in one season is Paul Westphal in 1992-1993, his first season with the Phoenix Suns.

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