By K.C. JohnsonIn a surprise development, Tom Thibodeau is searching for an assistant coach after informing veteran incumbent Pete Myers he won't use him on the bench, sources said.
The Bulls' staff of Myers, Ron Adams and Andy Greer appeared to be set, and Thibodeau even commented on it during an interview with the Tribune during summer-league play.
Thibodeau, who coached Myers during his playing days on the Knicks, praised Myers as a teacher who related well to players. It's unclear what changed Thibodeau's mind on Myers, who served as head coach for the Bulls' summer-league team.
Reached Wednesday night, Myers declined to comment.
Sources said Thibodeau, who has hired Adams and Greer, already has contacted candidates to replace Myers.
Myers, who informed several players of Thibodeau's decision late Wednesday, might move to the Bulls' front office, where he has worked before.
In another staff development, sources said Rick Brunson could land a player development role since Randy Brown is likely to move into a front-office position.
Photo: Nuccio DiNuzzo/Tribune
This probably has something to do with the Bulls not signing Samuels. Pete may be a good "relator" but poor in locking talent.
Now that the Bulls have a coach with actual experience and relationships with other coaches, there wasn't room for Bulls Guy Pete.
Pete was a good guy for the Bulls but times have changed and the Bulls are obviously moving in a different direction with this coaching staff. It's time for the Bulls to move back into the elite of the NBA