CHICAGO, May 3 (UPI) -- The Chicago Bulls have fired Coach Vinny Del Negro with one year left on his contract, the Chicago Tribune reported Monday.
Citing unnamed sources, the newspaper said Del Negro was told he was being dismissed after meeting with Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf on Sunday and General Manager Gar Forman on Monday.
Del Negro led the Bulls to an 82-82 record during the regular season and compiled a 4-8 record in two trips to the post-season. He has one season and roughly $2 million to go on his guaranteed three-year contract, the Tribune said.
The sources said Del Negro's dismissal had nothing to do with a March 30 physical altercation between the coach and Senior Vice President John Paxson, in which Paxson was reportedly upset because Del Negro exceeded a playing time limit placed on injured star Joakim Noah.
The Bulls reportedly will focus on replacement candidates with previous NBA coaching experience.
A news conference announcing Del Negro's dismissal is set for Tuesday, the Tribune said.
