Interest rate in Bulls job dropping; Jackson a firm no; Calipari's response allows for latitude
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The Bulls' coaching search barely has begun, and already potential candidates are dropping out.
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Kentucky coach John Calipari each dismissed interest after numerous media reports listed them as possible candidates.
Jackson, who coached the Bulls from 1989 to '98 and won six championships, doesn't have a contract beyond this season, and there has been speculation that he won't return to Los Angeles next season if the Lakers fail to reach the NBA Finals.
But when asked if he was interested in returning to the Bulls, Jackson said flatly, ''No, I'm not.''
As compelling as the story line of Jackson returning to the Bulls to build another title contender might have been, there was little chance of it happening and he never was considered a serious candidate.
Despite some first-round struggles, the Lakers remain the favorites in the Western Conference, and it's doubtful that Jackson -- who has had both hips replaced and still has some physical issues -- would subject himself to the harsh Chicago winters again.
Like Jackson, Calipari moved quickly to squash the speculation, telling ESPN's Andy Katz that he has no interest in the job. Kentucky also announced that it was willing to extend Calipari's contract to keep him for the rest of his career.
But unlike Jackson, it would be foolish to cross out Calipari's name on the list of candidates. Because of the cutthroat nature of recruiting, a college coach can't publicly express interest in a job or even let his name be linked to an opening for long. If he does pursue the Bulls' opening, it wouldn't be the first time Calipari publicly has said he wasn't interested in a job only to make his interest known through back channels.
Last season was Calipari's first at Kentucky, and there have been whispers he wasn't thrilled by the environment, despite the team's success.
If Calipari, 51, has any interest in returning to the NBA, there might never be a better opportunity. He has ties with Derrick Rose, who played for him at Memphis, and the Bulls have roughly $20 million to spend in free agency this summer.
Calipari always has been regarded as an excellent recruiter and would have to think his presence would improve the Bulls' chances of landing a big-time free agent. Calipari is close with the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James and is represented by the same agency as the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade and the Toronto Raptors' Chris Bosh.
If the Bulls are interested and can find a way to meet with Calipari secretly (and are willing to meet his salary requirements, which would be in the $4 million to $5 million range), there's a chance Calipari could be the one -- despite the fact he already has said he's not interested.
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