Sources: Bulls' Del Negro to be fired

CHICAGO, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Sources with knowledge of the Chicago Bulls' operations claim the NBA team is prepared to fire Coach Vinny Del Negro.

The unnamed sources said Bulls officials have already decided to part ways with Del Negro and have begun searching for a replacement for the head coach, ESPN the Magazine reported online Monday.

Former Bulls Coach Doug Collins and the Bulls' executive vice president of basketball operations, John Paxson, were considered as possible replacements, the sources indicated.

They said Paxson decided against taking over the reins of the struggling NBA team, while Collins informed the club he was not interested in the head coaching position.

Neither Paxson nor Bulls General Manager Gar Forman offered comments on the reports.

The Bulls nearly defeated the Boston Celtics in the first round of last season's playoffs and have followed that showing up with an 11-17 record this season to date, ESPN the Magazine said.