28 Dec 10 Despite a Fight, Vinny Del Negro Shown the Door

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesChicago Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro had been rumored to be on his way out of Chicago numerous times throughout his short two-year stint with the team. Now, it's a done deal. Tuesday, Bulls GM Gar Forman announced that the team would relieve Del Negro of Denver Broncos jersey
his coaching duties after back-to-back 41-41 seasons and two first-round playoff oustings. The situation involving the team and their former head coach was one of the oddest soap operas in basketball. First, shortly after the Bulls won the 2008 draft lottery, they hired Del Negro, who had previously had no coaching experience...at all. He was an assistant GM for the Phoenix Suns and also helped on their broadcast team, but had never been on a basketball bench in a suit. Then, after the team selected Derrick Rose with the first overall pick in 2008, Del Negro led a very young team back to the playoffs, where they shocked the world by playing the most competitive first-round series of all time against the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics. With high hopes for this season, the Bulls got off to a less-than-stellar start. Vinny's name began flying around the rumor mill, especially around Christmastime, the team's historically popular axing period. However, even with Forman allegedly seeking a replacement, Vinny kept his job. Then came the announcement of an altercation after a game on March 30th between Del Negro and VP of Basketball Operations John Paxson. The fight, according to a Yahoo! sports report, centered on the playing time of Joakim Noah, who had recently come off of an injury and had a playing time limit set by team executives. But still, after all of the troubles, the Bulls made the playoffs and even won a game against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. However, apparently none of Detroit Lions
his semi-success and praise from his players was good enough for Vinny to keep his job. Even though I've been critical of the hiring since Day One, the positives that he brought to such a young team can't be overlooked.Despite numerous injuries this season, along with a handful of roster changes, the Bulls never gave up and still earned a playoff spot even after it looked like they were closing up shop and looking forward to the offseason. Del Negro helped develop the young talent that's currently on the team, most glaringly with Rose, Noah, and All-Rookie performer Taj Gibson. With the team looking to make a splash this offseason and hopefully move to the next level of the NBA, however, development wasn't weighing heavily on the mind of Forman. Instead, the team will look forGreen Bay Packers jersey
a veteran head coach to try to attract one of the big-name free agents set to sign this summer.Some names that have already been mentioned are Doug Collins, Mo Cheeks, Byron Scott, and even Phil Jackson. Still, with the team facing a lot of uncertainty this offseason with only six roster players set to return next season, one thing is certain: This offseason will be a busy one for the Chicago Bulls.