Everything Old is New Again: Doug Collins Returning To Bulls

By Benjy Lipsman in News on May 29, 2008 4:04PM

In the six weeks since Bulls GM John Paxson fired interim head coach Jim Boylan, countless names had emerged as possible replacements: coaching legends like Larry Brown, formerly hot coaches like Mike D'Antoni and Avery Johnson, and well-regarded assistants on teams still in the playoff hunt all seemed likely at some point in the search.

Has Pax finally made his selection? Sources say that, in fact, he has.

The Bulls are expected to name Doug Collins as their new head coach. Looks like leggings, aviator sun glasses and Members Only jackets aren't the only signs that the 80s are back. Collins previously worked the Bulls' bench as head coach from 1986-1989, early in the Jordan era, before giving way to one of his assistant coaches -- a guy named Phil Jackson. Since last leaving the Bulls, Collins also had stints in Detroit and Washington in addition to various broadcasting gigs.

So why Collins? His close relationship with Paxson and Jerry Reinsdorf, as well as his reputation for building young teams into contenders certainly made him an attractive option to the Bulls. And while Collins had said he liked the more balanced lifestyle broadcasting afforded him, the lure of a talented young team, the top overall draft pick and a return to his hometown were enough to lure him back into coaching.

Can Collins finally win a title with this Bulls team this go-round? Or will Phil Jackson have to return in a couple years to finally bring another trophy to Chicago?

Image via Illinois St. University