Vultures Already Circling Over Coach Vinny

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Apr 21, 2010 7:00PM

To be fair, the topic of Bulls coach Vinny del Negro's employment has been the subject of speculation for most of the season. And after that reported dust-up with Pax, his firing is inevitable. In fact, we're surprised he's lasted this long. So why do we feel so bad that reports of his replacement are already starting to surface? Former New Orleans Hornets coach Byron Scott talked to ESPN Radio 1000 today and said he's open to talking job opps with the team (Scott has also coached the New Jersey Nets).

"Chicago is a city I love," Scott said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "I spend time in Chicago during the summers, and coaching [the New Jersey Nets] in the Eastern Conference, I've been in Chicago a bunch of times.

"I wouldn't hang the phone up, let's put it that way. And I do think Chicago is going to be one of the better jobs that's available, if it's available."

This is, we're sure, absolutely what Coach Vinny and the team needed to hear heading into tomorrow night's Game Three against the Cavs, already down two games to none. In nine-plus seasons of coaching, Scott has amassed a 352-355 overall record leading both teams to the playoffs: the Nets were Eastern Conference Champs in 2002 and 2003 and he won Coach of the Year for his job with the 2007-2008 Hornets. del Negro is an even 82-82 over two regular seasons and 3-6 (so far) in playoff games with the Bulls.