- Dale Duff Reporting ([email protected])
Former UMaine basketball captain Jim Boylen has been fired as head coach of the Chicago Bulls
Boylen took over head coach duties back in December of 2018 and the Bulls went 39-84 since that time as he tried to hold a young team more accountable for their play. His .317 winning percentage will be the second worst in club history. Chicago was not one of the team’s playing in the NBA bubble in Orlando.
“After doing a comprehensive evaluation and giving the process the time it deserved, I ultimately decided that a fresh approach and evolution in leadership was necessary,” Karnisovas said in a statement. “This was a very difficult decision, but it is time for our franchise to take that next step as we move in a new direction and era of Chicago Bulls basketball. Jim is a great human being that cares deeply about this organization and the game of basketball. I want to thank him for his professionalism and commitment to the franchise.” – Bulls press release
Boylen played in college basketball under coach Skip Chappelle at UMaine from 1983-1987 and was team captain in his junior and senior seasons. He was runner-up in voting for league Player of the Year to the late Reggie Lewis(Northeastern).
His coaching career includes several years in the college ranks (Michigan St and Utah) as well as an assistant coach in the NBA for the Houston Rockets, Golden St, Milwaukee, Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs. Boylen earned championship rings while coaching with the Rockets and Spurs.
NOTE: Boylen’s firing leaves two other head coaches in the NBA with Maine connections. 76ers head coach Brett Brown is from South Portland and Magic head coach Steve Clifford was born in Mattawamkeag and played his college ball at UMaine Farmington.
