Bulls decide to fire Del Negro as coach

Del Negro out as Bulls coach

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls fired coach Vinny Del Negro on Monday in a long-anticipated move that comes after a late-season altercation with executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson and another first-round playoff exit.

General manager Gar Forman is scheduled to discuss the firing at a news conference on Tuesday morning. He did not return messages seeking comment, nor did Paxson or Del Negro.

The Bulls went 41-41 and made the postseason in each of their two seasons under Del Negro, losing to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games after pushing Boston in a thrilling seven-game series last year.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls are set to announce coach Vinny Del Negro’s firing, according to multiple reports.

WBBM-TV along with the Chicago Tribune and ESPNChicago.com, citing sources, reported that a formal announcement will be made on Tuesday.

General manager Gar Forman, executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson and Del Negro did not return messages from the Associated Press seeking comment. Bulls spokesman Tim Hallam had no comment.

The Bulls went 41-41 and made the postseason in each of their two seasons under Del Negro, losing to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games after pushing Boston in a thrilling seven-game series last year.