Doug Collins will become the next Bulls head coach, according to a source.
The source said the deal is expected to be announced "sooner rather than later."
Expect one of the other candidates general manager John Paxson interviewed to be one of Collins’ assistants.
Paxson said no agreement has been reached.
"I have been in contact with Doug Collins in regard to our head coaching position," Paxson said in a statement. "Contrary to some reports that are currently out there, we have not reached an agreement.
"Right now, his commitment is covering the Western Conference Finals for TNT. When that series concludes, we will continue our dialogue. In the meantime, I will continue to talk to other candidates and review our options."
Paxson has said Collins has one of the best basketball minds around, and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said he loves Collins despite having fired Collins in a controversial move in 1989.
Collins coached the Bulls from 1986-89 and took the Bulls to the Eastern Conference finals. He also coached the Detroit Pistons and later coached Michael Jordan on the Washington Wizards.
Collins is an intense, fiery coach, who will remind some of Scott Skiles, who was fired on Christmas Eve.
Recently, Collins said he didn’t want to leave his broadcasting job with TNT. Since then, the Bulls landed the No. 1 draft pick.
"I know Doug’s got the itch [to coach again]," a league source said. "I think the Bulls’ youth intrigues Doug more than the Phoenix [Suns] situation. He’s a teacher That’s what he likes to do.
"He might have been leery about the veterans on the Suns, including Shaq.
A native of Benton, Ill., Collins starred at Illinois State. (AP)
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