Fri Jun 6 19:15:55 2008

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Report: Collins will not lead Bulls

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Despite numerous reports of over the past several weeks saying the contrary, Doug Collins will not be named the next head coach of the Chicago Bulls.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Collins and Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf mutually agreed during a Friday afternoon phone conversation to pull Collins' name from consideration.

"I just knew over the last few days that Jerry was really struggling over whether or not to do this, and I didn't want Jerry to have those struggles," Collins told the Tribune. "I love him. And I didn't want him feeling that kind of angst. This is absolutely mutual."

Collins previously coached the Bulls from 1986-89 and took the team to the Eastern Conference finals in 1988-89. He also coached the Detroit Pistons and later the Washington Wizards.

"It would've been a lot of fun to coach the Bulls," Collins told the Tribune. "But I am comfortable with this development. It happened the way it was supposed to happen."

According to the report, Collins contacted the Bulls about their coaching vacancy after the club landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft Lottery, but questions arose from both parties stymied since the initial interest was made.

Collins, 56, will retain his broadcasting job with TNT and indicated he would not return to coach any team other than the Bulls.

A native of Benton, Illinois, Collins starred in college at Illinois State before being selected as the top overall pick in the 1973 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Collins went on to play in four All-Star games with the Sixers until his career was cut short by injuries.

As a head coach, Collins amassed a 332-287 record over parts of eight seasons.