NBA: Chicago Bulls fire coach Vinny Del Negro, say reports

The Chicago Bulls have fired head coach Vinny Del Negro following a topsy-turvy season marred by alleged internal conflict, local media reported on Monday. 

The Chicago Tribune said on their website (www.chicagotribune.com) that the Bulls have called a news conference to announce the decision.

The Chicago Bulls were not immediately available to confirm the report.

Del Negro was hired prior to the 2008-09 season in what was his first head coaching position.

In his two seasons at the helm he guided the Bulls to identical 41-41 seasons that included first-round exits in the playoffs.

The Bulls were defeated in five games by the Cleveland Cavaliers this year and in seven by the Boston Celtics last season.        

Del Negro's last year in Chicago was marred by an alleged dispute he had with executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson in March.