I doubt you go from NBA head coach (even interim) to Marquette assistant coach unless you plan on retiring soon.
Coming to Milwaukee is a possibility, though (but not MU)...or Miami with Skiles (rumored in the past as Riley likes SS).
So we say it... Tanning Cream to sunny Chicago
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-chicago-bulls-jim-boylan-fired-2008-04-17,1,4365190.storychicagotribune.com
Chicago Bulls fire interim coach Jim Boylan
By K.C. Johnson
Tribune reporter
11:02 AM CDT, April 17, 2008
The Bulls fired interim coach Jim Boylan on Thursday, one day after he finished a 24-32 stint after taking over for Scott Skiles on Dec. 27. Though no official announcement has come from the team, Boylan was seen leaving the Berto Center after meeting with general manager John Paxson and a source close to Boylan confirmed the firing.
"I had a lot of fun doing it," Boylan said Wednesday following the Bulls' 107-97 win over Toronto. "It was full of all kinds of experiences, some good and some not so good. Sitting in the head coach's seat was comfortable and enjoyable. I enjoyed the challenge.
"The games that we lost early on set us back and then we had some injuries. It's all part of coaching in the NBA. It was a great experience and one I will cherish a long time."
Boylan's stint was marked by improved offensive numbers from earlier this season under Skiles but also an inability to depart from the same defensive and offensive philosophies that were used by his close friend. The career assistant spent 14 seasons in that role with various teams before assuming the head job and weathered several off-the-court incidents without the benefit of a training camp.
Players, mostly working on individual agendas, blew off practices and shootarounds, argued with assistant coaches and also were injured. Boylan weathered most of January without Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and, for a lesser absence, Kirk Hinrich.
Boylan, who assisted Skiles both with the Bulls and Phoenix, could land a job on Skiles' next staff. The former Bulls coach is weighing at least two coaching opportunities and could be employed by this weekend, perhaps in Milwaukee.
General manager John Paxson immediately will conduct a search that will include former coaches like Rick Carlisle and hot assistants like Tom Thibodeau.
Bulls players were general in discussing their desire for their next coach.
"I think you can be both a good defensive and offensive coach, so that would be ideal," guard Kirk Hinrich said. "But the teams that contend for a championship are the best defensive teams in the league every year. So if we want to get to that level, we have to be a strong defensive team."
Fellow guard Ben Gordon said it's not necessary to hire a player-friendly coach.
"It really doesn't matter to me," Gordon said. "I think we just need a coach who knows the result is winning. At the same time, he has to know how to coach players and get the most out of them.
"I think just somebody who has experience and who knows how to get the most out of his players is important. That sounds simple. But a lot of guys don't get that accomplished."
kcjohnson@tribune.com
Copyright © 2008, Chicago Tribune
