DEERFIELD—In one of the worst kept secrets, the Bulls have officially dismissed Coach Vinny Del Negro after a pair of 41-41 seasons and Playoff births each season in which the Bulls lost in the first round both years, Del Negro was hired two years ago despite having no Coaching experience. He has helped develop Derrick Rose,who became an All Star this season, Joakim Noah, one of the most improved players in the NBA, and Rookie Taj Gibson who made the NBA All Rookie team. An incident after a home loss to Phoenix on March 30 may have sealed Del Negro’s fate,although with the upcoming free agent battle this summer, the Bulls likely could have gone in another direction anyway. After that Suns win over the Bulls, VP of Basketball Operations John Paxson, the man who hired Del Negro, was angry that the Coach played Noah longer than the doctors designated limited minutes. Noah was recovering from painful Planter Fascitis. Paxson by all accounts physically engaged Del Negro in the Coaches Office. Paxson has since apologized. General Manager Gar Forman while saying it was needed for the Bulls to change Coaches, he nonetheless praised Del Negro for his work ethic and like Paxson, said the Bulls are in better shape than they were two years ago. Del Negro made a brief statement in front of the Berto Center, thanking the Bulls Organization,his players and staff,plus Bulls fans.He did not take questions.

LES