(Sports Network) - The Chicago Bulls introduced new head coach Vinny Del Negro at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. Del Negro has no previous coaching experience, but spent the past season as the assistant general manager of the Phoenix Suns. He also served as the club's director of player personnel after a stint as the team's radio analyst.

"Vinny distinguished himself from the group and I feel I have been able to identify a person who has the strong ability to lead, communicate and bring a fresh, energized approach to our young basketball team," said Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson. "Vinny will be able to draw from his experiences in basketball as a player, scout and executive, and I am confident that he will be successful in this new role."

The 41-year-old Del Negro played for five teams during a 12-year NBA career. He averaged 9.1 points and 3.2 assists over 771 regular-season games for Sacramento, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Golden State and Phoenix. He also spent parts of three seasons playing in Italy.

He was selected by Sacramento in the second round of the 1998 draft after a standout collegiate career at North Carolina State, where he averaged 15.9 points, 3.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game.

The Bulls had a somewhat difficult time finding a new head coach to replace Jim Boylan, who filled in as an interim coach after Scott Skiles was fired in December. The Bulls finished 33-49 under Boylan. Mike D'Antoni flirted with taking the position, then chose to take the vacancy with the New York Knicks. Former Bulls coach Doug Collins considered a return, but both sides apparently decided against a return to the sidelines for Collins, eventually leading to Del Negro.

"There are a lot of things to like about this young Bulls team," said Del Negro. "My efforts are going to be geared specifically toward getting the best out of each player whatever their particular strengths may be that make them most successful. As a guard in this league, I always felt that I was that extension of the coach. Everyone I have talked to has expressed to me that they felt the Bulls are a great organization, and I am thrilled to be a part of it."







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