The Minnesota Timberwolves have confirmed the appointment of Flip Saunders as the franchise's head coach.

Rumours had been doing the rounds on Thursday, as members of The AP were reportedly tipped off about the side's president of basketball operations taking over.

"After an exhaustive process and several thorough discussions with Flip, we came to the conclusion that he was the stabilizing force needed to lead our team," said Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor.

"Flip led us to our most successful seasons; he knows what it takes to win in the NBA as his track record speaks for itself.

"He is widely known as one of the most creative basketball minds and I believe he is the right coach to lead our team."

Saunders will also maintain his position as president of operations, which he undertook in May of last year.