Via ESPN:
Bulls coach Scott Skiles has lost his job as a result of his team’s slow start. The Bulls have lost three of their last four games and were booed throughout Saturday’s home loss to the Rockets. Despite high expectations, the Bulls (9-16) have the third worst record in the Eastern Conference.
“This was a difficult decision to make, but one that was necessary at this time,” general manager John Paxson said in a statement Monday. “Scott helped us in many ways during his time with the Bulls; most importantly, he helped this franchise get back to respectability. I am appreciative of his hard work and the imprint that he left on our team.”
The Bulls didn’t immediately announce a replacement for Skiles, who went 165-172 after replacing Bill Cartwright in November 2003.
Ben Wallace said Saturday he would welcome personnel changes if it would help the club.
“That’s one of those things that goes along with this league,” said Wallace. “Change is not always bad. If everybody wants to be here we have to step it up and go out there and play basketball.”
Meanwhile the paychecks will keep coming for Ben. Ben Wallets has a certain way of brooming coaches doesn’t he? What poor timing. In my estimation the Bulls did Skiles a favor. He’s a defensive minded coach and he’ll be back, the Bulls on the other hand might have more sucking to do before they straighten that mess out.
December 27th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
I think firing Scott Skiles was a mistake by John Paxton and the Bulls organization. I read on espn somewhere that several players didn’t really get along well with Scott. Maybe Scott had a little bit to do with their problems. I think the Kobe rumors got into some of the guy’s heads though. I think the Bulls players lack toughness. Get a low post scoring threat for one. Ben Wallace doesn’t score and neither does Tyrus Thomas–hardly anyway. Not sure why Gordon, Heinrich, and Deng are shooting like garbage. Guys, you 3 are no longer going to be traded to the Lakers for Kobe. At least not for this season probably.