Former Black Bear Keeps Bulls Coaching Job

Former UMaine basketball captain Jim Boylen is getting a contract extension to stay as head coach of the NBA's Chicago Bulls.

Boylen, who had been associate head coach, took over in December when Fred Hoiberg was fired.

After a rocky start, Boylen and the Bulls settled in the team finished 22-60.

Bulls ownership likes Boylen's teaching style with the young team. There is a 12.5% chance they could get the #1 draft pick in June.

Boylen captained the Black Bears basketball team under coach Skip Chappelle in 1987.

He is the fourth NBA head coach with Maine ties. Rick Carlisle (Dallas Mavs) played at UMaine for two years. Steve Clifford (Orlando Magic) played at UMaine Farmington and starting his coaching career at Woodland HS. And, Brett Brown (Philadelphia 76ers) is a former South Portland HS player.