Mon Jun 9 15:00:13 2008

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Report: Del Negro to become Bulls coach

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Bulls reportedly have chosen Vinny Del Negro as their new head coach.

The Chicago Tribune cited sources Monday as saying the club has offered the position to Del Negro, who is set to accept. The paper said a deal still needs to be finalized, but that a news conference could be forthcoming later this week.

Del Negro has no coaching experience, but spent the past season as the assistant general manager of the Phoenix Suns. He also served as the club's director of player personnel after a stint as the team's radio analyst.

The 41-year-old played for five teams during a 12-year NBA career. He averaged 9.1 points and 3.2 assists over 771 regular-season games for Sacramento, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Golden State and Phoenix.

Selected by Sacramento in the second round of the 1998 draft after a standout collegiate career at North Carolina State, Del Negro spent parts of three seasons playing in Italy.

The Bulls have had a somewhat difficult time finding a new head coach to replace the fired Jim Boylan. Mike D'Antoni chose to take the vacancy with the New York Knicks and former Bulls coach Doug Collins was also considering a return.