War between Head Coach and Players Ends As Chicago Bulls Fires Jim Boylen

Chicago Bulls fans will wake up to what they have been eager to hear for a long time. After two seasons of absolute disappointment, the Bulls have finally fired head coach Jim Boylen. After the new front office came in at Chicago, fans expected this to bring in a new wave of change. Although it has taken them a few months, the deed has been done.

After being hired in December 2018, he has led the team to back-to-back disappointing finishes. In his first season, they finished with a 22-60 record and were the third-worst team in the East. This season they finished with 22-43 record and ended as the 11th seed. His poor rotations, inability to motivate the team, and even his terrible press conferences frustrated fans throughout the season.

Chicago Bulls players relieved?

Being disliked by fans is something a lot of coaches face. But when you’re being disliked by your players, its a sight of worry. The team’s two biggest talents Zach LaVine and Lauri Markennen have both been unhappy with Boylen.

LaVine has even publicly expressed his displeasure with his head coach. With the Bulls down by 10 with 30 seconds to go, Boylen called a timeout. LaVine was clearly displeased about it.

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That is not the only incident. During a 122-124 loss against OKC, LaVine yelled “I have f***ing 40 points” towards Boylen on the sidelines, and went on to drill a three from the logo.

Markennen was on 80 touches for two seasons. Then this season Boylen had him on 40. When Markennen asked the reason behind the change, Boylen said he should concentrate on getting rebounds and then leading the fast break instead. Although Markennen’s potential may have been a bit hyped, Boylen has certainly stunted his progress at the Bulls.

A new coach isn’t going to immediately change the situation. But if they are able to get someone who can utilize his players better, and motivate them better, the Bulls have the potential to at least be a lower seed playoff team next. With many promising coaches waiting in the shadows, Bulls fans will be hoping the front office can continue to make good decisions.