Report: Bulls seriously considering firing coach Tom Thibodeau

Thibodeau and Bulls management have reportedly had a contentious relationship.

The Chicago Bulls are seriously considering firing head coach Tom Thibodeau, ESPN's Marc Stein reports. 

Stein reports the Bulls are increasingly likely to fire Thibodeau, even though the coach has around $9 million remaining on his contract over the next two years. 

On Wednesday, Sporting Newsreported that Bulls players were told that Thibodeau wouldn't return to the team. 

Earlier this month, the Bulls were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

In five seasons as Bulls coach, Thibodeau has led the team to the playoffs every year, but Chicago advanced past the second round just once, in 2010-11. 

The Pelicans and Magic are interested in speaking to Thibodeau about their coaching vacancies, according to Stein. 

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- Stanley Kay