The Chicago Bulls has finally parted ways with embattled head coach Vinny Del Negro. After two tumultuous seasons in the windy city, he has been relieved of his duties. Del Negro led the Bulls to the playoffs in both seasons that he was here, and helped develop young promising players such as Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson and Derrick Rose.

However, his deteriorating relationship with management may have been the overriding factor in the decision. Reports of multiple altercations between Del Negro and Bulls VP of Basketball Operations, John Paxson, as well as General Manager Gar Forman, were signs that Del Negro’s firing was inevitable in the near future.

While some of the players showed signs of sadness upon receiving the news, the general consensus throughout the season was that the majority of the players did not find Del Negro’s leadership well-suited for the Bulls’ needs. Joakim Noah did appear to be upset, and even lobbied for his coach’s return before the news broke of his dismissal.  Since the announcement became public, the coaching search is the next priority.

A few names have been floated out there for the Bulls’ head coaching position, such as former Bulls coaches Doug Collins and Phil Jackson, Celtics coach Doc Rivers, University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari, Avery Johnson, Byron Scott, Jeff Van Gundy, Dwane Casey, Sam Mitchell, and Lawrence Frank.

The Bulls have not begun the interviewing process yet, but it will be an interesting next few months to wait and see who will be on the sidelines for the Bulls next season.