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TechnographDoug Collins rumored to return to Bulls as head coach
By Rick Gano, The Associated Press
Posted: 5/30/08 Section: Sports
CHICAGO - To shape their future, the Chicago Bulls could turn to the past.
Doug Collins, who guided the Bulls and a young Michael Jordan from 1986-89 but couldn't get them past Detroit in the playoffs, has talked with the team about returning as coach.
"I have spoken with Bulls management recently about their head coaching vacancy and will resume conversations after the conclusion of my work for TNT in the Western Conference finals," Collins said in a statement Thursday from Los Angeles, where he was to work Game 5 of the Spurs-Lakers series. "There is no agreement in place."
Known for his emotional style, Collins also coached the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards - when Jordan was head of basketball operations there and made a comeback as a player.
Chicago has had a vacancy since interim coach Jim Boylan was fired after the end of a disappointing 33-49 season. Boylan had replaced Scott Skiles, who was fired on Christmas Eve of last year after the Bulls' surprisingly sluggish start following three straight playoff appearances.
The Bulls have a nucleus of young talent and also won the recent draft lottery, giving them the No. 1 pick in next month's draft where they are expected to chose between Kansas State's Michael Beasley or Memphis' Derrick Rose.
But they are coming off a season fraught with problems that included players missing practices and having angry exchanges with coaches. Joakim Noah, last year's first-round pick, was recently arrested in Gainesville, Fla., for having an open container of alcohol and was also charged with marijuana possession.
Collins appeared content to stay in TV, where he is considered one of the best analysts in the business, but could be ready to tackle an NBA head coaching job for the fourth time. He's been fired three times already. Web sites at both the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune said Collins would fill Chicago's vacancy.
"I have been in contact with Doug Collins in regard to our head coaching position. Contrary to some reports that are currently out there, we have not reached an agreement," Bulls general manager John Paxson said in a statement posted on the team's Web site. Paxson played under Collins during his first stint in Chicago.
Doug Collins, who guided the Bulls and a young Michael Jordan from 1986-89 but couldn't get them past Detroit in the playoffs, has talked with the team about returning as coach.
"I have spoken with Bulls management recently about their head coaching vacancy and will resume conversations after the conclusion of my work for TNT in the Western Conference finals," Collins said in a statement Thursday from Los Angeles, where he was to work Game 5 of the Spurs-Lakers series. "There is no agreement in place."
Known for his emotional style, Collins also coached the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards - when Jordan was head of basketball operations there and made a comeback as a player.
Chicago has had a vacancy since interim coach Jim Boylan was fired after the end of a disappointing 33-49 season. Boylan had replaced Scott Skiles, who was fired on Christmas Eve of last year after the Bulls' surprisingly sluggish start following three straight playoff appearances.
The Bulls have a nucleus of young talent and also won the recent draft lottery, giving them the No. 1 pick in next month's draft where they are expected to chose between Kansas State's Michael Beasley or Memphis' Derrick Rose.
But they are coming off a season fraught with problems that included players missing practices and having angry exchanges with coaches. Joakim Noah, last year's first-round pick, was recently arrested in Gainesville, Fla., for having an open container of alcohol and was also charged with marijuana possession.
Collins appeared content to stay in TV, where he is considered one of the best analysts in the business, but could be ready to tackle an NBA head coaching job for the fourth time. He's been fired three times already. Web sites at both the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune said Collins would fill Chicago's vacancy.
"I have been in contact with Doug Collins in regard to our head coaching position. Contrary to some reports that are currently out there, we have not reached an agreement," Bulls general manager John Paxson said in a statement posted on the team's Web site. Paxson played under Collins during his first stint in Chicago.
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