Collins considers rejoining Bulls as head coach

[May 30, 2008]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Doug Collins talked with the Chicago Bulls about returning to the team as coach, but said Thursday there is no agreement.

Known for his emotional style, Collins also coached the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards. The Bulls had been interested in Mike D'Antoni before he took the New York Knicks job.

"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 from Los Angeles, where he was to work Game 5 of the Spurs-Lakers series. "There is no agreement in place."

The Chicago Sun-Times reported on its Web site Thursday that the job would go to Collins, who previously coached the Bulls from 1986-89 with a 137-109 record. He was replaced by Phil Jackson, who coached the Michael Jordan-led Bulls to six championships in the 1990s.

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.

Chicago has a nucleus of young talent and also won the recent draft lottery, giving the Bulls the No. 1 pick in next month's draft.

[Associated Press]

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